I see a lot of similarities between the role of a PM and that of a business owner. While the end goal is to sustain and/or grow a business, the process to get there requires a lot of communication and thought. But while the latter may have some authority, a PM generally leverages interpersonal dynamics to guide their team(s) towards a common goal.
The role of a PM is varied across teams because people and businesses are varied. While big companies may have more structure and a defined scope within which a PM operates, in smaller companies a PM wears many hats. Ultimately how many people can work on a certain thing can be set by various factors within the business. The team members will have their strengths and weaknesses.
In many ways, a PM’s role seems like that of a football team coach, except you cannot give orders but rather find creative and tactical ways to unite a group of unique individuals to create something that serves the larger vision of the company. It could be doing things in the cracks, oiling the machine, and being ready to do tasks that are not glamorous. The goal should be how I can assemble a working machine and ensure that it functions.
Question: If you were earning the same for running your business or being a PM for a number of years, which would you choose?
