I have been managing projects full time for six months now, and it’s time to reflect on what I have learned.

• I got the official books, but reading them did not help much.
• The method is complex, and over the top for smaller projects.
• I did the Prince2 Foundation course, which helped immensely as I could ask questions.
• I am the only project manager at the company, so I am cutting a new path. This was, and still is, hard work
• I concentrated on the technical aspects of the method and neglected the human aspects – this alienated and upset a fair few people
• Bringing tight structure to one part of the company has had knock on effects, for better and worse. Prince2 only works if the surrounding structures are strong enough
• Being a PM is like being a manager, but without the authority and resources to make things happen. Especially when being new to a company, this led to clashes with line managers over handling a person’s workload and setting timescales
• Customers have commented on how organised and professional we seem to be now 🙂
• It has been very satisfying and has had many positive effects on me, my colleagues and the company

In summary, it has been difficult to integrate with existing people and processes, but when people see the benefits to them and their role, they have welcomed it after initial resistance. Being a new PM and bringing the method to a company is difficult, and I would push for some kind of consultancy or mentoring if I had to do the same again!