Want to get out of the weeds and focus on actually leading your team? This podcast conversation reveals why good project management is the secret weapon middle managers aren’t using effectively.

Guest Paul Koetke, Founder and Managing Partner of Koetke Consulting, has deployed over 100 PMO solutions for industry giants like Johnson & Johnson and Cushman & Wakefield. He reveals practical approaches to managing projects that reduce complexity while improving visibility.

Our conversation unpacks how to build effective processes that give your team purpose without micromanaging them. Paul shares insights on establishing common terminology, creating a single source of truth, and structuring information in ways that work for everyone – from team members to senior leadership. 

You’ll learn how to turn dreaded status update meetings into strategic sessions, communicate effectively across departments, and ensure your team’s work is visible without drowning in details.

Middle management doesn’t have to be a constant juggling act; with the right project management approach, you can transform chaos into clarity and make better decisions with less effort. If you’re feeling overwhelmed juggling multiple projects and team deliverables, this episode offers a lifeline!

Episode Highlights:

• Focus on day-to-day progress – Don’t obsess over end goals while getting too relaxed in the middle; continuous momentum prevents deadline scrambles
• Project management is a communication tool – It’s not about complex systems but better alignment between team members and leadership
• Establish common language first – Define terms like “project” and “red status” so everyone understands what they mean in your team’s context
• Show the purpose behind the process – Team members who know why they’re providing updates produce better quality data. Better data = better decisions
• Structure information like a newspaper – Present headlines first, then increasing detail, so people can get what they need in 30 seconds or 30 minutes
• Turn status meetings into action meetings – With good dashboards and visibility, team meetings can focus on solving problems, not sharing updates
• Create a single source of truth – Avoid duplicate work and conflicting information by establishing one location for project data

Links Mentioned:

Website: koetkeconsulting.com

Connect with Paul on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulkoetke/

The Made Leader Community: https://growthsignals.co/leadership-training/

Guest Bio:

Paul Koetke is the Founder and Managing Partner of Koetke Consulting, a firm specializing in implementing Smartsheet PMO solutions for organizations seeking transparency and actionable intelligence in their project management offices. As a certified Smartsheet Platinum Partner with nine years of experience, Paul has designed and deployed over 100 PMO solutions for industry leaders like Cushman & Wakefield, Johnson & Johnson, Lineage Logistics, and Public Storage.

A Control Center specialist, Paul empowers PMOs by transforming fragmented processes into scalable, automated workflows that provide real-time visibility and strategic insights. His expertise helps business leaders managing large project portfolios gain complete oversight, optimize decision-making, and enhance their teams’ project management capabilities.

Paul uses proven strategies and deep industry experience to streamline operations, eliminate inefficiencies, and maximize the impact of Smartsheet in your organization.