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If the tech lead resigns from the project, how will the Senior Project Manager save the project?

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I am a Senior Project Manager in IT Consulting. Our project's goal is move data from on-prem to azure for client. My client gave me the feedback that I should look at the broader picture of the project. The question I to answer is if the tech leads leaves the project, how I as a senior project manager can save it?
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Rami Kaibni
Community Champion
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten Associates New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
Rohan, two things I need to note here:

1) Why would you assume the project will be in trouble if the project lead leaves and that you will need to save it?

2) If the success of your project relies on one person, then there is something off with the way it is being run.

Technical Lead is one individual who serves as a servant leader to the development team and liaison with you and other stakeholders. One would think that:

1) The development team is self-organizing and cross-functional so the actual development or data movement process shouldn't be affected.

2) You as the PM is very well familiar with the project.

3) Proper handing over will be done before the Leader Tech leaves

In light of the above, I don't see a problem you stepping in to fill the gap until you hire a new person to take the role.
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2 replies by Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong and Piotr Hajnus
Dec 21, 2023 2:49 AM
Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
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Just to spice up Rami's contribution, make sure no one is indispensable in any project or process
Dec 21, 2023 4:50 AM
Piotr Hajnus
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Rohan,
you don't need to save the world, or this project. Focus on what is your job in that situation.
I'd recommend to avoid "a savior mindset", either it is yours or your customer initiative. Putting yourself in a position of "project savior" will put a huge responsibility on your shoulders that can drain you out in a long run.

Ask yourself, what is a PM job to do in this situation?

Emphasizing Rami's point.
1) Do you see an emerging leader among the team members? Can anyone step up for the role?
3) As a PM you can ensure that proper hand-over is done and all the tacit knowledge captured/shared.br type="_moz"
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Kwiyuh Michael Wepngong
Community Champion
Financial Management Specialist | US Peace Corps Yaounde, Centre, Cameroon
Dec 20, 2023 6:56 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
Rohan, two things I need to note here:

1) Why would you assume the project will be in trouble if the project lead leaves and that you will need to save it?

2) If the success of your project relies on one person, then there is something off with the way it is being run.

Technical Lead is one individual who serves as a servant leader to the development team and liaison with you and other stakeholders. One would think that:

1) The development team is self-organizing and cross-functional so the actual development or data movement process shouldn't be affected.

2) You as the PM is very well familiar with the project.

3) Proper handing over will be done before the Leader Tech leaves

In light of the above, I don't see a problem you stepping in to fill the gap until you hire a new person to take the role.
Just to spice up Rami's contribution, make sure no one is indispensable in any project or process
avatar
Piotr Hajnus Poland
Dec 20, 2023 6:56 PM
Replying to Rami Kaibni
...
Rohan, two things I need to note here:

1) Why would you assume the project will be in trouble if the project lead leaves and that you will need to save it?

2) If the success of your project relies on one person, then there is something off with the way it is being run.

Technical Lead is one individual who serves as a servant leader to the development team and liaison with you and other stakeholders. One would think that:

1) The development team is self-organizing and cross-functional so the actual development or data movement process shouldn't be affected.

2) You as the PM is very well familiar with the project.

3) Proper handing over will be done before the Leader Tech leaves

In light of the above, I don't see a problem you stepping in to fill the gap until you hire a new person to take the role.
Rohan,
you don't need to save the world, or this project. Focus on what is your job in that situation.
I'd recommend to avoid "a savior mindset", either it is yours or your customer initiative. Putting yourself in a position of "project savior" will put a huge responsibility on your shoulders that can drain you out in a long run.

Ask yourself, what is a PM job to do in this situation?

Emphasizing Rami's point.
1) Do you see an emerging leader among the team members? Can anyone step up for the role?
3) As a PM you can ensure that proper hand-over is done and all the tacit knowledge captured/shared.br type="_moz"
avatar
Sergio Luis Conte Helping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based Organizations Buenos Aires, Argentina
Applying knowledge management.
avatar
Thomas Walenta Global Project Economy Expert Hackenheim, Germany

Rohan,

it appears to me that your project of moving data to the cloud is not an endeavor that lends itself to agile thinking. It requires detailed analysis and planning, including risk identification and mitigation.

Some team members will have tacit knowledge, that is not documented, and therefor if the leave they create a gap. In addition, some team members have an important role in the human network of your team and stakeholders, and if they leave there is a reshuffling in the team.

As a PM, you could have identified those risks and found mitigation measures like a backup, a shadowing person, a contractor, or else. Nevertheless, there is a disruption in the tissue of the project you have woven. As a PM, I think you are in charge to take care of it and bring the project back on track.

My PM mantra is 'make it happen'.


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