In today's economy where more and more Project Managers are crossing over between industries and looking for new opportunities, often the million dollar question is "Can a Project Manager with a non IT background understand and be successful in managing IT Projects?" From my perspective as long as an individual has a solid understanding of the base project management skills a Project Manager can be successful regardless of the specific technology, industry or business the project is for.
What are your thoughts on this topic?
There is also an interesting thread about this topic going on within the Project Manager Networking Group on LinkedIn - http://linkd.in/aFhMAy
I think it depends on the project team. With a strong architect in place, I think it works quite well. Without a strong technical leader (as in smaller project teams) it could be a disaster.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, at least to me, I find that so many clients have the inability to view project management as a skill set that is transferable between industries or project need. In my opinion, if you understand the standard skills required of a talented PM, it should not matter if you are tasked to bake a loaf of bread or build a complex technology system. I can't count the number of conversations that started with a client explaining their need for a "technical PM".
ReplyDeleteNow, the other side of the coin is the great point that Bonnie raises: the need for subject matter expertise. There is no way that a project gets delivered if there is not someone that has the required expertise . If I am baking my loaf of bread, I better have a chef at the ready or bad things are going to happen.
I think the long and sort of it is, for me, that the project manager can play both rolls (PM and SME) but it should be viewed as two distinct roles and not be the expectation of project management as a functional skill set.
I agree that a person can play the role of PM and SME but it is also the responsibility of a good PM to recognize when they need an expert on their project.
ReplyDeleteSo you are suggesting that a PM should be self aware and know when he/she in over his/her head? (Now shifting from half joking to serious...) Since we are talking about consultants here, many of those who do not enjoy the security of full time employment, I'll turn the question back to you Mr. Maaraba: If a PM is expected to be a SME and PM but realizes that he/she does not have the knowledge, are we expecting the PM to walk away from the engagement and potentially the ability to pay the mortgage (Your answer not PMI's)? Is the PM community setting itself up for failure by not pushing back on the expectation of the duel role? Best case scenario, is the PM community feeding into a potential conflict of interest?
ReplyDeleteThe standard answer would be, it depends? Can you really do anything in life without some sort of conflict?
ReplyDeleteWith respect to your clients it is your job to consult them to be as successful as possible based on your knowledge and experience, which may result in a personal conflict of interest. From a personal perspective are you really doing yourself any favors be being in over your head? I am not saying that you can't be successful if you are in too far, what's most important is that you have a plan to deal with the situation. That could mean bringing in the expert, educating yourself, or just plan assuming the risk.
Ultimately as a consultant you are not doing your client or yourself any favors by not recognizing your limits/boundaries.