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[i]I work on the implementation side of ICT projects and IME the problem ones are where the implementation teams aren't engaged early enough (if you set budgets and timescales without talking to us then you'll, at best, get a version of the project that fits in with those constraints - rather than what the client actually needs).[/i]
+1
I was once 'given' a project where the budget and timescale had already been committed to (acquisition, and we to get off the sellers' systems). Although when I was asked to do it I didn't know it had been agreed as I came back after a day or so and quoted 12 months and £500k, to then find out the Acquisitions Director had already told the Board it'd be 6 months and £250k...
We delivered under-budget and under-time - that'd be MY time and budget 🙂
At least they'd learnt by the time of the next acquisition, and got me involved at the 'open books' stage.
It's been said above but talk to people. Face to face. So much of communication is non-verbal and you'll get a much better feel for how things are going if you're looking at the person. They might also say things they'd be reluctant to write down.
Hold on, you're a Programme Manager with Project Managers under you? That's a win! Weekly meetings with the PMs, individually and together, and put your feet up the rest of the time!
I've just read on another thread that you work within the Public Sector, so the key thing you need to do is find out from whichever Politician it is that is responsible for your 'area' what they've promised.
Because if they've promised delivery then money will be no object. 🙂
And if they've not promised anything, park it.