Leading Without Title - A Story From Public Administration

Authored By Enintsoa Randrianirina

Before I embraced project management as a full-time calling, I was deeply involved in public administration, a world shaped by policy, politics, and powerful personalities. It was an environment where hierarchy mattered, influence spoke louder than data, and results were measured not just in outcomes, but in perceptions.

From Logic to Leadership: Bridging the Gap

As someone who came from a technical background, I initially struggled. I was used to logic leading the way. But when you're in rooms with ministers, CEOs, and heads of major public organizations, logic alone isn’t enough. You need presence. You need vision. And you need the courage to speak it out loud, especially when it’s uncomfortable.

This is where project management became something more than just a skillset for me. It became a form of leadership. One that allowed me to bridge the gaps between intention and execution, policies and action, and, most of all, between silence and my voice.

The Moment I Chose to Speak

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One of the most defining experiences of my career came during a large-scale reform initiative. We were restructuring digital services to increase accessibility and transparency. I was the one designing the implementation roadmap. But in that room, I wasn’t the most senior, far from it. Around the table sat high-ranking officials, advisors, directors, and even a minister.

Every instinct in me told me to keep it safe. To wait for someone else to present. But I knew that if I didn’t speak, the vision would be diluted. The roadmap would be misunderstood. The real value of what we were building would be lost in translation.

Owning the Message and Holding the Room

So I did what project managers often have to do: I stepped up, even when I was shaking inside.

I introduced the roadmap myself. I shared the reasons behind the decisions, the data that supported it, and the risks of ignoring certain implementation phases. But I didn’t stop there. I voiced my perspective on the more profound impact, how this would shift citizen trust, improve service quality, and modernize our public image.

Was it easy? No. One stakeholder interrupted me twice, implying I was too idealistic. Another raised his eyebrow when I talked about the long-term benefits. But I held the line, not with arrogance, but with anchored clarity. I didn’t try to dominate the room. I tried to serve it with truth.

When Courage Earns Respect

After the meeting, one of the directors pulled me aside and said, “If you continue like this, you will go so far.” It was one of the best advice I’ve ever heard. Not because it flattered me, but because it showed that courage and conviction can earn respect, even from those with more power.

What That Moment Taught Me About Project Management

That moment taught me that project management isn’t about staying behind the scenes. It’s about being the voice of structure, of execution, of purpose, especially when no one else is saying what needs to be said.

And I finally realized that:

• Influence isn’t about power; it’s about clarity and conviction.
• In project management, your voice matters, even in rooms full of hierarchy.
• Don’t wait to be invited to lead. Step into it when your vision can bring value.
• Respect is earned not just through results, but through courage and perseverance.
• Sometimes, being heard means being willing to speak first, even when it’s uncomfortable.
• Never underestimate the impact of presenting clear, confident words. It changes how people see the entire project.

Contributor Bio

Enintsoa is a certified PMP, TOGAF, and Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt project leader with a strong background in IT and public sector transformation. As founder of Luminea Consulting, she leads a PMO agency focused on delivering impact-driven execution and strategic alignment. With a passion for clarity, collaboration, and value creation, Enintsoa helps organizations navigate uncertainty with confidence and purpose. When she’s not solving delivery challenges, she’s likely exploring new frameworks, mentoring emerging PMs, or finding structure in everyday chaos.

Connect on LinkedIn: Enintsoa Randrianirina