Project Manager and Subject Matter Expert

對於project manager這個角色，到底需不需要有技術能力，一直是常在爭論的議題。
這篇文章倒是給了一個不錯的答案：『有會更好』


他提到了，如果是technical project manager可以帶來幾個好處

1. 遇到問題的時候，他更能掌握問題的難度，更能掌握要花多少時間來解決這個問題，對於時程的掌握會更踏實
2. 你對於你的團隊更有同理心，因為你知道問題的難度。project manager總是想急著解決問題，常會脫口而出：『這個問題有這麼難嗎？有需要這麼久嗎？』
3. 由於你有技術的底子，對於某些問題，若有過往的經驗，可以更快找出解決方案，並帶了團隊走向正確的方向，避免花額外的時間去做trial and error

以下是摘錄全文中的部分：

• Scope and Schedule – If you have a background in the project you are managing it becomes much easier to understand what the project is trying to accomplish.  This helps you in defining the scope of the project and setting the schedule.  You will know roughly how long it takes to build a server, install a circuit, or design a network.
• Empathy – If you understand the work, it makes it much easier to empathize with the team.  I have built some strong relationships with the network engineers I work with, because they think of me as one of them and not just another project manager.  A project manager should never under estimate the value of relationships.
• Misinformation and Solutions – You will have a much better sense of when you are getting the wrong information and be able to contribute to solutions.
• Ramp Up – Most projects start life underfunded and behind schedule.  It is an unfortunate fact of life for project managers.  If you know the subject matter, you will spend more time focused on the project than trying to understand it.  This will save you significant precise time.

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