Biography

After a career spanning more than 15 years as a manager within private and public organizations, and over 10 years as a consultant in organizational development, Pierre Lainey, DBA, MBA, Adm.A., F.C.M.C., CRHA joined HEC Montréal in 2003 as a Senior Lecturer in Management, where he notably teaches political skills.

He holds a Master of Business Administration as well as a Doctorate in Administration from the University of Liverpool (U.K.). His current research focuses on the political behaviors of individuals undergoing change within large organizations.

He has published seven books, including one on political skills in 2024 (4th edition). He is the recipient of the HEC Montréal Excellence in Teaching Award and was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025.

 

Conference Description

Project implementation within organizations inevitably generates power dynamics between those who aim for project success and those who may seek to obstruct it. These power dynamics impact both the way the project is carried out and the objectives it ultimately pursues.

Being blind to this phenomenon is one of the most frequent causes of project failure. Once largely unknown or poorly identified, these power dynamics are now increasingly recognized. When their dynamics are properly influenced, they can stimulate projects and contribute to their success.

This requires project managers to identify the implicit manifestations of power plays and to take action to positively influence their dynamics. In fact, several experts argue that recognizing the political behaviors of both project stakeholders and project leaders is an essential competency in today’s organizational environments.

This is a skill that can be developed—and this conference aims to demonstrate exactly that.

Objectives

By the end of this conference, participants will be able to:

• Understand the power dynamics that emerge during project execution

• Influence these dynamics to promote the success of their projects