Are We Still Asking 'What’s the Value of a PMO?'

We have all heard this question at some point or another: “Does this PMO have a tangible business impact on the organization as a whole?”

It’s a legitimate question, but the complexity of it has certainly evolved. And there may be more actually at play than just a measurement of business value. Whether your PMO is successful can essentially come down to the perception of its impact on the larger business landscape.

We use the word "perception" because it’s about how the organization views the PMO’s value proposition. And, surprisingly, many PMO directors still overlook the importance of marketing and communication when it comes to establishing and maintaining a PMO’s role in the organization.

We’ve said it before: PMOs are vulnerable to their own success. Once the systems for delivering projects on time, on budget, and in alignment with strategic goals are in place, the temptation is to rest on your laurels. After all, when the systems are working seamlessly, no one notices. Everything’s running smoothly … until it isn’t. That’s when the PMO can easily slip into the “overhead” category: invisible, undervalued, and at risk of being cut during a budget review.

This brings us to the perennial challenge PMO’s face: What have you done for me lately?

Tracking the benefits of your PMO is essential, but it needs to be done thoughtfully. Unfortunately, many PMOs still measure success with internal metrics that may feel good but don't speak to the concerns of the executive team. Metrics like the number of people trained, schedule compliance, and completed projects are fine for internal visibility, but they don't necessarily prove the value of the PMO in the broader business context.

So, if you're still asking, “What’s the value of your PMO?” it’s time to think beyond project completion and cost savings. The key is to help the C-suite perceive the PMO’s value in a way that resonates with their priorities. This means understanding your organization's drivers of success. Is it improving customer satisfaction, increasing operational efficiency, or enhancing innovation? What does your organization care about? How can your PMO help achieve those goals? Your metrics should reflect that.

Looking beyond 2025, the role of PMOs is more integral than ever to organizational success. As businesses become increasingly project-driven, the need for strong, impactful PMOs will only grow. So, ask yourself: How can your PMO become a true strategic partner in the organization?

Now that’s the question we SHOULD be asking.