Why Project Management Remains Undervalued (And Why That's a Strategic Mistake)

The "Invisible Success" Problem
When projects succeed, the spotlight goes to the final deliverable, the innovative solution, or the brilliant strategy. Project management becomes invisible infrastructure just like plumbing in your home. You only notice it when it fails. This creates a perception that project management is just "keeping things organized" rather than actively creating value through risk mitigation, resource optimization, and stakeholder alignment.
The Mythology of the "Natural" Leader
Many executives believe that smart, capable people can naturally manage projects without formal methodology. This is like assuming a great musician can automatically conduct an orchestra. The skills are related but distinct. Project management isn't just leadership! It's a specialized discipline that translates vision into systematic execution while navigating complexity, uncertainty, and competing priorities.
The "Overhead" Misconception
Organizations often view project management as administrative overhead rather than strategic enablement. But consider this: a McKinsey study found that companies with mature project management practices waste 13x less money than those without. 13 TIMES! The question isn't whether you can afford project management, it's whether you can afford not to have it.
The real cost of undervaluing PM isn't just failed projects. It's the opportunity cost of unrealized potential.
When we treat project management as an afterthought, we're essentially flying complex missions without air traffic control. Sure, some planes might land safely, but the system is far from optimized.
Organizations that recognize project management as a strategic capability, not just a support function, consistently outperform their peers in execution speed, resource efficiency, and stakeholder satisfaction.

What's been your experience? Have you seen the true value of project management recognized in your organization?

Let's get out there and make it real!