Project Governance and the PMO
3
PMO Types
Supportive, Controlling, Directive
Within
PM Operates
Inside governance, never outside
2
Modes
Predictive gates vs agile demos and retros
three flavors of PMO · three levels of authority
PMO Authority Spectrum
Supportive
Offers templates, best practices, lessons learned. Think "internal consultant."
PM says yes or no
Controlling
Requires specific methods, tools, or forms. Audits for adherence.
PM must comply
Directive
PMs actually report to the PMO. PMO owns project delivery outcomes.
PMO runs it
how to read this
- › The three PMO types are points on a spectrum, not alternatives. They differ in how much authority the PMO has over project decisions.
- › Supportive PMOs are the lightest touch — they help if you ask. PMs can accept or ignore the advice.
- › Controlling PMOs enforce standards. You must use the approved tools, processes, and templates. Audits check compliance.
- › Directive PMOs are the heaviest — the PMO actually runs the projects and the PMs work for the PMO, not the business unit.
- › The PM always works within governance. Even when you disagree, you escalate through proper channels — never bypass.
Exam Traps
The PM operates inside the governance framework
Even when the PM disagrees with a governance rule, they follow it. Escalation is through proper channels, never bypassed.
PMO types differ by control level
Supportive provides templates. Controlling enforces compliance. Directive actually manages the projects. Know the difference.
Agile still has governance
Sprint reviews, demos, and retros are the agile governance mechanisms. Agile is not the absence of governance, it is a different mode of it.
Work within the framework
Follow governance even when you disagree. Escalate through channels.
Do not confuse PMO types
Supportive supports, Controlling enforces, Directive manages. Three levels of authority.
A club advisor who gives templates and tips. No enforcement, just help.
A club advisor who requires you to use specific forms and processes. Compliance is mandatory.
A club advisor who actually runs the events. The PM answers to them, not the other way around.
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