Enrico Lombardo
Managing Director, VL Tech Team, Italy
Before becoming a professional consultant, I worked for 10 years at Ferrari SpA, hired by the Technical Director of the F1 team, Ross Brawn, and by the General Director, Jean Todt, to create the Project Management Office of the Ferrari Gestione Sportiva (Formula 1 team).
During this experience I redefined the development processes of Formula 1 through the introduction of new methodologies and tools, as well as ability to work in teams, I fostered communication between the internal and external departments, clarity and sharing of objectives, the management of conflicts.
I was subsequently appointed Head of Logistics and Project Management of Ferrari Gestione Sportiva (Formula 1 team).
Over the years I coordinated the activities of the Scuderia Ferrari (1999 – 2009), we reached the honors of 8 Constructors‘ Titles and 6 Drivers Titles of the Formula 1 World Championship, with drivers Michael Schumacher and Kimi Raikkonen. I previously worked in Benelli S.p.A. as Project Manager. I also worked at Cagiva Research Centre, as Head of Planning and Coordination of the Project, under the direction of Massimo Tamburini, for the brands Cagiva , Ducati and MV Agusta .
Presentation
Through an overview of my experience as Project Manager in the automotive field, and with a main focus on the Ferrari F1 experience, I will describe how the role of PM is strictly linked to change.
This change can be organisational and/or can drive the processes enhancement, but overall is a change of attitude of the peoples involved in it.
The PM is the main driver of this change, by getting first of all the major commitment of top management and, subsequently, act to achieve the involvement of all the project stakeholders.
This is not only a matter of techniques or methodology, but mainly a matter of soft skills, as communication, team work attitude, motivation, passion.
The Project Manager has to bring a new mindset, to allow an evolution of processes and organization related to them. In order to achieve the objective through the defined path, each project needs a strong leadership and coordination.
Skills and experience
- Experience in the major field of the project
- Recognized authority and reputation – both from sponsors and team members (stakeholders)
- Developed communication skills
- Problem solving attitude
Drivers
- Ability to understand and exploit the skills of the team member
- Achieve commitment
- Keep team focused
- Rewarding
Communication
- It is the key factor of a successful project
- Keep sponsor and stakeholder informed and updated (it will ensure the commitment and help the problem solving)
- Never hide bad news
Team work
These goals could not be reached without join forces.
The team’s strength lies in its ability to combine the skills to achieve objectives not otherwise attainable by individuals.
Each role is clearly defined, but it is a part of the process, implying involvement, awareness of the effects of the work of each team member on the whole process, on the team work. The commitment on the goal, which must be shared and clear to all team members. The drivers for tea work are:
- Procedures
- Preparation
- Synchronism
- Respect of the times
- Vision
- Problem solving attitude
Best practice
All the above mentioned matters will be covered during the whole presentation that will be focused on the implementation of the PMO in Ferrari F1 organization. This experience shows how the change in a peculiar and competitive environment, as the motorsport, drives to the achievement of the main objective, thought the commitment and the motivation of the peoples involved.
