
Project Management The Underrated Key to Tech Success
If you’re not too concerned about project management, it likely means one of two things: project management is your gift, you’re good at it and don’t give it much thought, or you’re naïvely headed for disaster.
Despite its crucial role in determining the outcome of tech projects, project management is often overlooked or undervalued. The reality is that most tech projects that fail do so not because of technical challenges but due to poor project management. Yet, entrepreneurs and product owners frequently underestimate the importance of a dedicated project manager, believing they can handle the management in the margins. This misconception is both costly and avoidable.
The Misconception About Project Management
One of the biggest misconceptions about project management is that it’s an unnecessary overhead rather than a strategic investment. Many entrepreneurs and product owners believe they can “squeeze it in” between other tasks, not realizing that effective project management requires full-time focus.
The Role of a Project Manager
A skilled project manager is always a step ahead, anticipating challenges and removing obstacles before they derail the project. Whether it’s freeing up resources, adjusting schedules, or addressing emerging risks, their job is to keep the project on track. The role of a project manager isn’t just about tracking tasks—it’s about stepping back, looking at the project as a whole, and constantly asking, “What’s next?”
Statistics underscore the critical importance of project management. As TeamStage reports, 70% of all projects fail. Additionally, 42% of companies don’t understand the need or importance of project management, and organizations that undervalue it see a 50% higher project failure rate. According to Wellingtone, 39% of projects fail due to a lack of planning and resource management, a figure echoed by Visual Planning. Moreover, KPMG’s Global Project Management Survey revealed that up to 66% of IT projects fail due to poor project management practices, highlighting the role of a skilled project manager in avoiding such failures. Gartner's research further indicates that companies undervaluing project management experience significantly higher failure rates, emphasizing that a good project manager is not just important but essential for success.
Survival of the Fittest: A Personal Lesson
Let me illustrate this with a personal story. Years ago, I was hired as a project manager for an NBC Sports TV special called Survival of the Fittest. The shoot was staged on a remote portion of the Stanislaus River, accessible only by whitewater rafting or helicopter. My task was to manage logistics, ensuring the crew was where they needed to be.
When we found ourselves short a soundman, I volunteered, placing me atop a mountain peak as a crew member. At lunchtime, my crew was airlifted to base camp. I noticed the food table was running low just as another crew arrived. The caterer announced that the last meal was on my plate, leaving the last arriving crew very unhappy. Though I wasn’t responsible for catering, I appeared unprepared. Had I stayed at base camp, I might have caught the issue sooner. This taught me a key lesson: a project manager must focus on the bigger picture and not get distracted by details.
A Common-Sense Approach to Project Management
Project management is not just about keeping tasks on schedule—it’s about ensuring the entire project's success. Whether it's anticipating risks, structuring communication, or aligning responsibilities, skilled project managers make all the difference.
Regardless of the scope of your project, a Project Management Plan (PMP) is essential. The good news is that a PMP doesn’t have to be complicated. When appropriately scaled to the project scope—whether that means simple checklists for small projects or detailed workflows for larger initiatives—a well-crafted PMP provides just enough structure to ensure success. As long as you address the four PMP basics, you should be positioned for success.
PMP Basics
- Roles & Responsibilities
Clearly define and document roles early using a RAR matrix so the entire team understands who’s responsible for what. - Meeting Plan
Regular communication is key, and we recommend holding weekly status meetings. With virtual meetings now the norm, establish the platform and create a standing meeting link for consistency. - Communication Plan
Transparency and open collaboration drive successful project execution. At The Roster, we use a combination of Basecamp and Google Docs to keep communication clear and collaboration seamless. - Issues & Risk Management
Regularly document and review issues and risks, flagging them as they arise. Define where and how these notes should be recorded to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Conclusion
If project management isn’t your strength, hiring an experienced professional can be the smartest move you make. At The Roster, we offer access to top-tier project managers, business analysts, and coordinators who work as part of our flexible bench model. With a bench captain—a project manager by another name—guiding your team, you’ll benefit from seamless project coordination and avoid costly missteps. Our bench approach ensures that the right mix of talent is always ready to step in and support your project from start to finish, setting you up for success.
Join the Conversation
Your comments are welcome.
Sources
- TeamStage
- Visual Planning
- FounderJar
- Wrike
- PMI (Project Management Institute)
- Wellingtone
- KPMG
- Gartner
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