Just my $.02 here.....but I think PMs should have broad knowledge of the type of project he/she is managing. In IT, that would require some technical knowledge in various areas (security, system admin, networking, etc). The PM is hired based on the management skills required to lead, report and manage teams to get the work done UNLESS it is required of them based on the description of the position's duties and responsibilities. Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) are an integral part of the project team and can be called upon to answer the in-depth questions being asked not the PM. However, PM's SHOULD take it upon themselves to gain some knowledge by being involved and asking questions of the SMEs so the SMEs aren't distracted from work answering questions that the PM can answer on behalf of them. Saving Changes...
Stéphane ParentSelf Employed / Semi-retired| Leader MakerPrince Edward Island, Canada
A business analyst, cannot have only just analysis skills and experience. Similarly, a project manager needs to have move than management skills and experience. You don't need to be a techical expert but you do need to have industry knowledge. Saving Changes...
I believe that the PMI Talent Triangle gets it right... The ideal skill set is a combination of technical, leadership, and strategic and business management expertise.
Does everything have to be in equal measure? Probably not. Among other things, I think it depends on the organization, the general expectations for the PM role in that organization, and the specific expectations for the PM role in a given project Saving Changes...
Senior Projects Manager | Field & Marten AssociatesNew Westminster, British Columbia, Canada
I totally agree with Stephen's input - Having the technical knowledge will help you do value engineering and manage the project better. Saving Changes...
Sergio Luis ConteHelping to create solutions for everyone| Worldwide based OrganizationsBuenos Aires, Argentina
Totally disagree about to be a technical expert. You must have knowledge, but not being a technical expert. It is not true that to be a technical expert will allow to manage the project better.
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1 reply by Rolf Dieter Zschau
Aug 16, 2016 7:41 AM
Rolf Dieter Zschau
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I agree, Sergio. In fact, to be a technical expert can even hinder to be a good manager due to a too detailed approach. But it depends on the project type and industry, of course.
In my own PM life, in the beginning I was the technical expert - which found me to be the SPF (single point of failure), which I tried to prevent in my next projects. So to have good knowledge helps, but to be the expert can hinder the broad picture you need as PM and can also make you SPF.
Saving Changes...
Stephanie GrahamVP of Strategy| BankOnITOklahoma City, Ok, United States
I think having the knowledge of the field you're working in is a huge benefit.
Does not mean that you have to be an expert. Saving Changes...
NOHELY COLINALider de Proyecto| PETROPIARLecheria, Anzoategui, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)
I personally would prefer as PMO that the project manager has business knowledge but not necessarily a technical expert . If he has leadership, strategic and business management expertise and also is a technical expert He is a diamond Saving Changes...
Totally disagree about to be a technical expert. You must have knowledge, but not being a technical expert. It is not true that to be a technical expert will allow to manage the project better.
I agree, Sergio. In fact, to be a technical expert can even hinder to be a good manager due to a too detailed approach. But it depends on the project type and industry, of course.
In my own PM life, in the beginning I was the technical expert - which found me to be the SPF (single point of failure), which I tried to prevent in my next projects. So to have good knowledge helps, but to be the expert can hinder the broad picture you need as PM and can also make you SPF.
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1 reply by Thomas Walenta
Aug 16, 2016 5:08 PM
Thomas Walenta
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Rolf Dieter, Sergio, agree that technical knowlegde is not required and can be damaging to the project and the PM. Even same is true from my own personal experience for industry knowledge. Talent triangle does not mention technical or industry skills either.
"We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it - and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again, and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one anymore."
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