| p>Many organizations believe that projects of a | | | | discussions and guidance for other technical team |
| technical nature (IT, engineering, etc.) need a project | | | | members. It may also include specifying how the |
| manager with technical expertise. The technical expert | | | | product will be developed if there is not a standard |
| can manage the project since they obviously know | | | | methodology in place. |
| what they are doing. The problem with this is the | | | | Project manager - This person works closely with the |
| assumption that a technical expert is both capable and | | | | technical lead to create a project schedule, identify |
| willing to manage people, schedules, and budgets too. | | | | risks and issues, control changes, report status to |
| This may be the case but often is not. There is no | | | | management, track the budget and schedule, etc. This |
| doubt that a technical lead must oversee the design | | | | person must also possess soft skills to facilitate team |
| and construction of whatever is being built, but this is | | | | communication, mediate team member disputes, |
| not the same as project management. Having been a | | | | provide motivation, etc. |
| software developer for many years then managing | | | | The project manager and technical lead must work |
| software development projects, I know from | | | | together as partners in executing the project. If the |
| experience that it is difficult to do both jobs well. | | | | roles are clear and not overlapping, this works well. |
| Here are some definitions that clarify these project | | | | It is very helpful if a project manager is familiar with the |
| roles. | | | | technical jargon and culture of the industry that the |
| Technical lead- This person designs the product | | | | projects are executed in, but the PM does not have to |
| whether it be a building, car, or software package. This | | | | be the technical expert and it usually works better if |
| person's primary job is to make sure the product will | | | | (s)he isn't. |
| work as specified. This may include technical | | | | |