At Dura Digital, we recently discussed the dilemma of whether to hire a professional project manager or rely on internal resources to manage your digital projects in this blog. However, for many businesses, the answer might lie somewhere in between: hiring a mentor to guide an internal project manager.
In this model, your internal team member takes the lead in managing the project, but with the strategic support and oversight of an experienced mentor. This approach offers a practical balance between leveraging internal talent and ensuring expert project execution without fully outsourcing the role. Here's why a mentor-led solution could be the right choice for your business.
Expert Guidance, Internal Leadership
A mentor provides invaluable project management experience and expertise without completely taking the reins. By partnering with an internal project manager, the mentor offers:
- Strategic Oversight: Mentors can help ensure the project stays on course, providing high-level direction and advising on complex decisions or potential pitfalls.
- Skill Development: By working closely with an experienced mentor, your internal project manager gains hands-on learning opportunities, developing valuable project management skills for future initiatives.
- Risk Management: The mentor can help foresee and mitigate risks before they become major issues, ensuring the project remains within scope, budget, and timeline.
Strengthening Your Internal Resources
Many businesses already have capable team members who can take on project management tasks, but a mentor can offer a safety net. This arrangement allows your internal resource to grow while ensuring the project doesn't suffer from inexperience. It also brings key benefits like:
- Cost Efficiency: Hiring a mentor typically incurs lower costs than bringing on a full-time external project manager. Your business gets the benefit of expertise without the full expense of outsourcing the role.
- Team Familiarity: Your internal resource knows your company, culture, and workflow. With a mentor guiding them, this familiarity is complemented by external knowledge and best practices.
- Long-Term Capability Building: As your internal team gains experience, they’ll be better equipped to manage future projects independently, reducing reliance on consulting partners over time.
Unlock Success with a Collaborative Approach
By combining the strengths of your internal team with the expertise of a mentor, you create a collaborative, cost-effective solution that drives success while fostering growth. At Dura Digital, we believe in empowering businesses to find the right balance. Whether you need full project management support or a mentor to guide your team, we’re here to help.
Curious to learn more about how a mentorship-driven model could benefit your next project? Our Business Growth Studio has experienced consultants who are ready to help.
Contact us for a consultation today.
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