You’re a program manager with big goals. What technical skills do you need to achieve them?

In today's world when business dynamics, market trends and competitive landscape is regularly evolving it is very important to take informed decision which are not possible without thorough data analysis, understanding patterns, trends, insights and correlation help in aiding correct decisions Data analysis is the most critical skill a Program manager must excel, be is regularly monitoring the KPI, area of improvement, optimizing workflows it is the data analysis which will help. Data analysis help in analyzing performance metrices, evaluate effectiveness of the decisions taken Data analysis help in predictive modelling to anticipate future trends, risks and opportunities

Learn a piece of software. Pick one. And I mean really learn it. Don't just learn how to manage projects but how to create the project infrastructure. Watch YouTube videos, join webinars, and dig in. Many PMs learned the basics for their organization and don't take the time to understand all of the cool ways you can manage more effectively with the way your team actually works.

Como gerente de programa con grandes metas, necesitas habilidades técnicas sólidas en gestión de proyectos, análisis de datos y planificación estratégica. Debes ser capaz de utilizar herramientas avanzadas de gestión de proyectos para monitorear y controlar el progreso. El dominio del análisis de datos te permitirá tomar decisiones informadas y optimizar los recursos. Además, la habilidad para desarrollar y ejecutar estrategias efectivas será crucial para alinear los objetivos del programa con la visión global de la organización. Estas habilidades técnicas te proporcionarán la base necesaria para liderar con éxito proyectos complejos y alcanzar las metas establecidas.

While mastery in coding isn’t a blanket requirement, a comprehensive understanding of technical fundamentals is essential for success. This knowledge base empowers you to make informed decisions, communicate effectively with technical teams, and anticipate project challenges. Equally important is the commitment to continually enhance these technical skills, ensuring they evolve alongside industry innovations and program demands. However, technical prowess alone doesn't guarantee success. A holistic approach that integrates strong leadership, strategic foresight, and interpersonal savvy is critical. These complementary skills enable you to lead with vision and navigate the multifaceted landscape of program management with confidence.

“Data is the new oil,” as the famous saying goes. Data analysis is a critical part of feasibility analysis before initiating a program or project, during execution, and for monitoring and control. Program managers need to be effective in analysis and tools like Excel and Power BI/Python. Depending on the program team to develop such analysis is not always a good idea. Understanding data in the business context is key, and presenting it in a more meaningful way to derive decisions or convey information is even more critical.

-Embrace collaboration: Prioritize teamwork and communication to ensure everyone is aligned towards common goals. -Adapt to change: Remain flexible and responsive to evolving requirements and feedback throughout the project lifecycle. -Focus on value: Continuously deliver valuable increments to stakeholders, prioritizing their needs and satisfaction.

-Identify risks: Thoroughly assess potential threats and opportunities that could impact your program's success. -Analyze implications: Understand the consequences and likelihood of each identified risk to prioritize responses effectively. -Develop response plans: Proactively mitigate risks with tailored strategies and contingency plans to minimize their impact.

There is a less obvious change management skill that is critical to technical program managers: Empathy and Emotional Intelligence while not a technical skill are needed to support team members though a program change process. Understanding and acknowledging people's emotions, providing reassurance and support and as Program Manager acting as a guide thought the Transition. This becomes particularly important when transitioning/implementing new software, ERP systems in manufacturing or implementing a new health and safety requirement for a plant especially within a Unionised environment.

Without documentation, there is no meaning to program execution. Technical writing is essential at all stages of project/program management. As a program manager, we need to create clear documentation in the form of technical specifications, KPIs, policies, and procedures, etc. We also need to ensure that stakeholders should be able to read and assess the same. Quality documentation is the backbone of existing program success. They also provide good guidance to future programs.

Project Management Tools: Proficiency in project management tools like Microsoft Project, Jira, or Asana can help you plan, track, and manage projects more efficiently. These tools enable you to schedule tasks, allocate resources, and monitor progress in real-time. Budgeting and Financial Management: Understanding financial principles and being able to create and manage budgets is crucial for program success. Skills in financial analysis, budget forecasting, and cost management can help you ensure that your programs are delivered within budget.

Quality Management: Quality management is about ensuring that the deliverables of your program meet the required quality standards. Skills in quality assurance, quality control, and continuous improvement methodologies like Six Sigma can help you deliver high-quality outcomes. Data Management: Data management skills are important for program managers to effectively manage and analyze data related to their programs. This involves skills in data collection, storage, cleaning, and analysis, as well as knowledge of relevant data privacy and security regulations.

IT Infrastructure: Familiarity with IT infrastructure and systems is important for program managers, especially in technology-related programs. Understanding concepts like cloud computing, cybersecurity, and software development can help you manage technology-related aspects of your programs more effectively. Vendor Management: Vendor management skills are important for program managers who work with external suppliers and partners. This involves skills in vendor selection, contract negotiation, and relationship management to ensure that vendors deliver as per the agreed terms and conditions.

1.Understands the system’s functionality and architecture down to its core components 2.Participates in the design review process and influences decisions to ensure quality 3.Applies engineering standards to the program and its dependencies 4.Documents technical details to help broader audiences understand the delivered solutions 5.Familiarity with popular programming languages like Java, Python, C , or JavaScript is advantageous 6.Cloud computing: Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, as well as associated services like storage, networking, and security. 7.Cybersecurity: Grasping the fundamentals of cybersecurity, including threat assessment, vulnerability management