When I entered a new industry my concern is lack of knowledge. However my manager told me I don't need this as I will have lead in all aspect. However later I found out if I only reply on my leads and consequently their failure will be reflected as my failure in project management.
So do you think if professional knowledge is critical to be a successful project manager? Saving Changes...
It depends on several factors such as the complexity and nature of the project.
However, you will not be a professional in all areas. You need to rely on the subject-matter experts. For some projects, a little bit of professional knowledge is required.
...
1 reply by Warren Simon
May 06, 2022 11:47 AM
Warren Simon
...
I absolutely agree with this. Having been a PM for over 30 years, I've NEVER been a (technical) expert in what my projects/programs themselves involve. I have always relied on SMEs. That does require developing an amount of trust, and sometimes that trust just does not develop (this can be for many reasons), however the vast majority of times the various SMEs involved with my projects/programs have been both smart and honest. Both are important.
I think yes. It will help you enjoy your work and in the long run stay in the course of your professional career. Saving Changes...
Thomas WalentaGlobal Project Economy ExpertHackenheim, Germany
It depends.
in my case, I started each of my projects with a blank sheet and started learning about the culture (of the customer and the industry), the technology used, the specific business requirements. For all of these topics I am looking for (the best) specialists available, and get their engagement.
As a base I offered stakeholder management (listen, explore, build trust), outside perspectives (new ideas in difficult situations), know how of project management, and a mindset of getting things done.
It is more ambiguous, needs more courage and builds on past successes. It opens up more opportunities, keeps adrenalin flowing and you have to like it.
Leading does not mean doing, but to get the right humans to do the stuff. My intent always was to make me redundant, by enabling the team and providing security for all.
A relevant Chapter webinar comes up on 12.5. 18:00 CEST (Europe), you can attend for free but have to register:
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Very interesting point. Key here, from my side, is to understand what does mean "professional knowledge". If it does mean to follow some guides created from some organizations (like PMI for example) I think it helps to find "the how" (at least in previous PMI´s standards) to do some of the things you need to do. With that said, I sustain (and I present it from years in conferences and courses) eveybody in this world perform project management from the time they wake up to the time they go to bed. But people do that without following some kind of formalism. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
I'm going to answer the question as to whether it is "critical": no. Knowledge is always a bonus because it provides you with background, terminology and techniques. Knowledge can always be acquired: before, during and after the project.
At the end of the day, your project management experience and skills are of greater importance than your knowledge. Address knowledge gaps that are important to your project as soon as possible. Either you learn it or you surround yourself with people who have it. By the way, you should be learning every day. Saving Changes...
If you mean knowledge of the project's domain, then yes, a certain amount of such knowledge is required to be credible and effective. However, you don't need to be a subject matter expert, nor should you be expected to be able to perform any of the activities which your team members can.
Kiron Saving Changes...
Warren SimonProgram Manager| DoDBaltimore, Md, United States
May 05, 2022 9:16 PM
Replying to Abolfazl Yousefi Darestani
...
It depends on several factors such as the complexity and nature of the project.
However, you will not be a professional in all areas. You need to rely on the subject-matter experts. For some projects, a little bit of professional knowledge is required.
I absolutely agree with this. Having been a PM for over 30 years, I've NEVER been a (technical) expert in what my projects/programs themselves involve. I have always relied on SMEs. That does require developing an amount of trust, and sometimes that trust just does not develop (this can be for many reasons), however the vast majority of times the various SMEs involved with my projects/programs have been both smart and honest. Both are important. Saving Changes...
Wayne MackRetired| RetiredSouth Riding, Va, United States
I am little unsure as to what is intended by the term 'professional knowledge.' Is this referring to the practices within project management? Is it referring to the problem domain? Is it referring to technical knowledge of the proposed solution? Saving Changes...
