The Truth Behind the "2-Year PMO Lifespan" Myth

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Author:

Americo Pinto, PMI-PMOCP, PMP | PMOGA Managing Director at PMI

Summary: 

This article debunks the widespread belief that PMOs have an average lifespan of two years. Pinto revisits the original 2010 research by Aubry and Hobbs, clarifying that it described PMO transformation cycles, not failures. He explains why PMOs evolve roughly every two years—due to shifts in maturity, strategy, leadership, and markets—and reframes this as healthy adaptation.

Why PMO Leaders Should Read This:

It arms PMO leaders with evidence and arguments to counter executive skepticism. By reframing transformation as evolution, it changes the narrative from “PMO fragility” to “PMO adaptability.”

Why It's Worth Discussing:

This myth-busting article is crucial for PMO leaders who need to shift organizational perception from "PMO failure" to "PMO evolution." It provides powerful arguments and evidence to counter executive skepticism about PMO longevity and helps leaders reframe transformation as a natural, healthy process. The article is particularly valuable for defending PMO investments and building support for adaptive approaches.