PMs @ Lunch: Fall In: The Politics of People in Projects
Session Description:
Projects don't happen in a vacuum—they happen within organizations filled with people who have different priorities, personalities, motivations, levels of authority, and definitions of success. Even the best project plan can run into trouble when the human and organizational dynamics surrounding the work aren't understood or managed effectively.
Fall In: The Politics of People in Projects explores the often-unwritten side of project management: navigating relationships, competing interests, influence, organizational politics, and stakeholder expectations. The session will examine how project managers can better understand the people and dynamics surrounding their projects, build productive relationships, communicate effectively, and move work forward even when they don't have direct authority over everyone involved.
Rather than viewing "politics" simply as something negative, the discussion will consider how awareness of organizational dynamics can help project managers anticipate resistance, understand what matters to different stakeholders, build support, and create conditions for successful project delivery.
What You Can Expect to Learn:
- Recognize how personalities, priorities, relationships, and organizational dynamics can influence project outcomes.
- Identify stakeholder interests and sources of influence beyond formal titles and organizational charts.
- Explore techniques for building support and navigating disagreement or competing priorities.
- Strengthen communication and influence when leading people without direct authority.
- Consider how project managers can navigate organizational politics professionally without compromising trust or relationships.
About the Speaker:
Jana Bott is Director of Client Satisfaction at Mission Critical Partners and a longtime leader within PMI Mid-Missouri. For several years, Jana has been the driving force behind the chapter’s PMs @ Lunch program, bringing project professionals together for practical learning, discussion, and professional connection. Her experience working with clients, teams, and project professionals gives her a firsthand perspective on the relationships, personalities, expectations, and organizational dynamics that influence project success.y, communicate assumptions effectively, and develop credible estimates when there isn't a historical baseline to follow.
Talent Triangle PDUs:
| Ways of Working: | 0.00 |
| Power Skills: | 0.75 |
| Business Acumen: | 0.25 |
| Total PDUs: | 1.00 |
Event Details:
| Event ID: | 20260924-01 |
| When: | Thursday, September 24, 2026 (12L00 PM - 1:30 PM) |
| Where: | Online/Virtual - meeting link will be provided with registration |
