Directive

Even though the phrase directive sounds less influential than controlling, it isn't—it is more influential as a PMO. A directive PMO has the most influence on organizational project work. Along with everything that the supportive and controlling PMOs provide, the directive PMO will set standards and processes, provide tools and templates, coordinate resources among a variety of projects and programs, may be responsible for signing off on baselines, and will make sure that projects are prioritized based on business value.

Just like being in the principal's office when you do something wrong, the directive PMO will be the ones to delegate the consequences for lack of project performance.

You might be thinking that if there is a PMO in place that you, as a project manager, have little to no power over your project. That is simply not the case. The PMO is overseeing all projects and programs at the organizational level and may influence your projects in some ways, such as dictating the rules and enforcing standardized best practices. They are not running your projects for you.

PMOs are considered key stakeholders, but in your everyday project work, you probably won't interact with the PMO too much unless you need help, or they need to provide you templates, tools, guidance, or other necessary items to better coordinate your project.