The Hare, the Tortoise, and the Weight of the PMO
After many races, lessons, and retrospectives, the Hare and the Agile Coach had become quite skilled at running their course. The path was simple. The flags were clear. The finish line was always in sight. But one morning a messenger arrived carrying a large stack of papers. “These,” said the messenger, “are requirements from the Project Management Office.” The Hare stared at the pile. Forms. Reports. Schedules. Approvals. “If we carry all of this,” sighed the Hare, “we’ll never reach the finish line.” The Agile Coach scratched his chin thoughtfully. “Governance is not the enemy,” he said. “But we must be wise about how we carry it.” The Tortoise slowly stepped forward. “Let me take the load,” he said. The Hare blinked. “That stack is enormous!” The Tortoise smiled. “I may not be fast,” he said, “but I am strong. And I am patient.” So the team made a plan. The Hare and the Coach would run the course, ...