Must Project Managers Be Technically Savvy?

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This topic has been questioned and answered several times in the past, yet it relevant for today. Individuals have different thoughts on the same. While some believe that a project manager must be technically sound to manage projects, others believe that a project manager doesn't have to be technically savvy. Certainly there are pros and cons for being a technical or non-technical project manager.

Sometimes it is a plus for a project manager to not to have a sound knowledge on technical aspects. Then the project manager will not compelled to micro-manage and estimate tasks on behalf of the team. Sometimes, it may be difficult to get estimations from the team or to rely on their estimations, but project managers can use their people skills to get things done in the right way and get help from experts if there are any doubts on estimations. Also, they can diversify efforts on leading and managing aspects while the team managing technical aspects. However, micro-managing, estimating tasks for the team and imposing technical solutions on them can lead to poor productivity resulting demotivated team. As a consequence, this will lead to an unsuccessful project management.

Some believe that having a sound knowledge on technical side can be a huge advantage when it comes to risk management. Though this is true, a non-technical project manager can also effectively manage risks by consulting the technical architect and the tech lead. Also, some say that a technical project manager has an ability to blend with the team well since they all speak the same language. This is an agreeable statement; nevertheless a non-technical project manager can also blend with teams using people skills and with the help of technical experts.

The important fact is; a project manager must be good at organizing, communicating and massaging the team’s morale. This requires heavy people skills to get the maximum out of the team. If not, Irrespective of whether technically savvy or not, a project manager will not be able to survive in the project world.
Conclusion is; a project manager doesn't have to be a technical savvy. But then again, having some sort of a technical knowledge could be a benefit.
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