Here’s a typical conversation from a manager to an exec:
Manager: “I need 2 more project managers”
Exec: “How do you know?”
Manager: “Because my PMs are overloaded. They tell me they’re really busy and can’t handle the workload.”
Exec: “So, how overloaded?”
Manager: “REALLY overloaded.”
Exec: “Prove it!”
Oops – all the manager has is anecdotal evidence from his or her overloaded PMs. They say they’re overwhelmed, but the manager doesn’t really know by how much, and therefor doesn’t know how many PMs they really need to hire.
Same thing with bringing on new projects. A new project request comes in, and the PMO Director tells the CIO they’re already overwhelmed and can’t take on new work. How do you know? Where’s the evidence?