Nabeel MirzaSenior Director Strategic Programme Management| AfinitiDublin, Ireland
Consider a scenario in which a software product is to be deployed in a foreign country with a different spoken language.
The best case answer will be to have a bit of both (language and product knowledge). However if you have to lean more towards one, then what do you consider more important, whether it will be a PM with a local language proficiency or a PM who has command over the product to be deployed? Saving Changes...
Pench BattaEnterprise Lean Agile DevOps Coach /SAFe Program Consultant (SPC6)| Capgemini, Inc.Bentonville, Ar, United States
Having a product knowledge definitely needed for any project manager. Since English is a global language, I think knowing the local language may be helpful but not necessary. But if you are working with a different country team, it may be good to know the working culture of the country. It will be helpful to manage the teams. Saving Changes...
Drew CraigSr. Agile & Product Coach| VanguardPhiladelphia, Pa, United States
Product knowledge. Could always get an interpreter if need be. Saving Changes...
Marcela TerziDevelopment Manager| Grupo ILHSA S.A.Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Product knowledge.
And a previous review with a really good interpreter (as in all areas of knowledge there are many professionals, but not so many very good ones) if it would be needed, just for checking Saving Changes...
Are we asking about a project manager or a product manager?
If the former, then while I'd want someone to have some knowledge of the product, the local language proficiency is crucial for successful stakeholder management unless you have a very trusted interpreter familiar with both the product jargon and with local slang & mannerisms.
If it is the latter, then product knowledge any day of the week!
Kiron Saving Changes...
Marcela TerziDevelopment Manager| Grupo ILHSA S.A.Capital Federal, Buenos Aires, Argentina
I agree with you Kiron, a careful review of the local language prior to the deploy is absolutely necessary, including time for some changes or corrections Saving Changes...
Janvier NdayisabaManager| Fuzzy International General TradingDar Es Salaam, Tanzania, United Republic Of
Product knowledge is the most important, language is easier to learn and translators can be easily available Saving Changes...
Cacia FreundtSenior Project Manager| defiTampa, Fl, United States
I have to agree with the group that hiring someone for the project that would have more command would be more important. There are options that could be easily available to address the risks associated with this choice compared to the other. Saving Changes...
You can't really go forward with the product without language in the local context ;-) Saving Changes...
RAJESH K LProject Manager, PMP| Bharat Electronics, Bengaluru, IndiaBengaluru, Karnataka, India
Product knowledge stands out in comparison with Foreign language. With product knowledge one can use the services of local area. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
How will you communicate with others without local language knowledge? You can be the "Messi" of the product but if you can not communicate it.....Perhaps I did not understand your point. Saving Changes...
