PMO Culture-Core Values Shaping Behaviors

​​“Culture is what happens when managers are not in the room.”

An organization's culture defines the proper way to behave within the organization. PMO leaders establish PMO culture, consisting of shared beliefs and values and then communicate and shape people's perceptions, behaviors, and understanding. Some examples are: 

• Taking Ownership - held accountable for outcomes, good or bad. 
• Customer First - Understand customers' needs with empathy and take them as a priority. 
• Doing The Right Thing - take hard calls when it is the right thing to do. 
• Showing Integrity - take actions with honesty, commitment, and respect for others. 
• Putting Team First - seek win-for-all solutions. 
• Having Curious Mind - willing to go to new places, learn, and try as we go. 

The culture gives more general guidance than our process, template, and document. 

​Question to Ask When Establishing PMO Culture

• What are the behaviors needed in the PMO team to ensure future success? 
• What are the priorities of behaviors required by my current team? 
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Editor's Notes: Some additional example culture statements are: 

• Say what you mean, and mean what you say. ... 
• Be vulnerable — gradually. ... 
• Remember the role of respect. ... 
• Give the benefit of the doubt. ... 
• Express your feelings functionally, especially when it's tough. ... 
• Take a risk together. ... 
• Be willing to give as well as receive.