Be a Project Manager, Not a Project Reporter; Learn the Subject Matter

There's been some debate as to whether a project manager needs to know the subject matter of the project they're managing. While I agree that a project manager can be effective without knowing the subject matter in depth, they at least need to get a basic understanding of the subject and issues at hand in order to make decisions when needed.

For example, if a project manager is leading an IT development project, it's ideal if they've programmed in the past. But even if they do not have IT expertise, they need to at least read up on the basics and terminology and make sure they understand the issues at hand so they can't be snowed. After all, the project manager is accountable for the success of the project.

Likewise, if an IT project manager is leading a logistics project, they need to get a basic understanding of logistics terminology and process flow, and what the product of the project is intended to do. This is the all-important preliminary research that should go into any project. Furthermore, they need to lead the initiative to collect the business drivers, objectives, and requirements to the point where they understand what the intent of the project is.

Too many IT project managers attempt to lead a project not really understanding what the drivers are, and thus are unable to offer alternative suggestions or really drive the project. Instead they become a project "reporter" and not a project manager.