SoftPMO™ Solutions: What if Project Managers had Mandatory Counseling?

"Good morning, Bruce. Have a seat. I understand you are a project manager and you may be experiencing some job-related stress."

"Yeah, I guess so."

"Tell me about your job. What does a project manager do?"

"(Oh, good grief!) I manage a small group of very talented people trying to build software with too few resources, too little time and unrealistic expectations."

"What kinds of tasks does a project manager do?"

"I plan, manage risks, develop schedules, handle quality control, deal with stakeholders, report to senior management, create budgets, negotiate with other project managers, write proposals, develop presentations, travel — a lot of travel — I write reports, manage personality conflicts …"

"Excuse me for interrupting, Bruce. But, are all of those tasks necessary for project management?
And then some. I haven’t even mentioned keeping up with new technologies, estimating, evaluating …"

"Ok. I think I get the idea. You have many different tasks to do. How does that make you feel?"

"Feel? I don’t understand the question. This is not about feelings. This is my job."

"Are you anxious about work? Have trouble sleeping? Find yourself thinking about work even when you are not there?"

"Yeah (duh!)"