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Technical Program Manager's Handbook: Unlock your TPM potential by leading technical projects successfully and elevating your career path
Explore the TPM role in depth with this revised second edition. New coverage includes advanced program management techniques, emotional intelligence, and AI integration. Join business with technology and elevate your career.
Key FeaturesLearn advanced system design principles and architectural concepts necessary for a TPMGet up to speed with AI-driven project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication toolsBenefit from practical tools, methodologies, case studies, and real-world examplesBook DescriptionThe role of the Technical Program Manager (TPM) is crucial in the tech industry, bridging the gap between technical expertise and business acumen. The second edition of the Technical Program Manager’s Handbook offers a comprehensive guide to excelling in this role. Building on the foundational concepts from the first edition, this updated version introduces new chapters that explore the integration of AI and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in program management. These crucial additions complement the broader focus of the book on bridging business and technology but don’t overshadow it. You'll learn how to apply AI-driven tools to enhance project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, as well as how to leverage EI to build strong team relationships and improve leadership effectiveness.
This book provides practical tools, methodologies, and case studies, offering insights from industry leaders to help both aspiring and practicing TPMs apply advanced concepts and strategies effectively. It also explores the unique aspects of the TPM role in major tech companies, helping you to navigate and thrive in your career.
By the end of this book, you'll have a clear understanding of the TPM role, along with a breakdown of the necessary technical and program management skills, to develop a clear roadmap for your career.
What you will learnUncover the critical importance of the TPM role in the tech industryUnderstand and leverage the unique aspects of the TPM roleDiscover what makes a successful TPM through real-world case studiesMaster project management with advanced technical skills and AI toolsApply EI to enhance leadership and team managementExplore careers and paths for TPMs in the Big Five tech companiesWho this book is forThis book is designed for aspiring and established Technical Program Managers (TPMs), tech professionals transitioning into TPM roles, and recent graduates embarking on careers in technology consulting. It's also valuable for business analysts, project managers, and anyone supporting or working alongside TPMs. To fully benefit from this book, readers should have a basic understanding of the project management life cycle and be comfortable with technical concepts, as it dives into advanced topics and real-world applications.
Table of ContentsFundamentals of a Technical Program ManagerPillars of a Technical Program ManagerCareer PathsAn Introduction to Program Management Using a Case StudyDriving Toward ClarityPlan ManagementRisk ManagementStakeholder ManagementManaging a ProgramEmotional Intelligence in Technical Program ManagementThe Technical ToolsetCode Development ExpectationsSystem Design and Architecture LandscapeHarnessin
Key FeaturesLearn advanced system design principles and architectural concepts necessary for a TPMGet up to speed with AI-driven project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication toolsBenefit from practical tools, methodologies, case studies, and real-world examplesBook DescriptionThe role of the Technical Program Manager (TPM) is crucial in the tech industry, bridging the gap between technical expertise and business acumen. The second edition of the Technical Program Manager’s Handbook offers a comprehensive guide to excelling in this role. Building on the foundational concepts from the first edition, this updated version introduces new chapters that explore the integration of AI and Emotional Intelligence (EI) in program management. These crucial additions complement the broader focus of the book on bridging business and technology but don’t overshadow it. You'll learn how to apply AI-driven tools to enhance project planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication, as well as how to leverage EI to build strong team relationships and improve leadership effectiveness.
This book provides practical tools, methodologies, and case studies, offering insights from industry leaders to help both aspiring and practicing TPMs apply advanced concepts and strategies effectively. It also explores the unique aspects of the TPM role in major tech companies, helping you to navigate and thrive in your career.
By the end of this book, you'll have a clear understanding of the TPM role, along with a breakdown of the necessary technical and program management skills, to develop a clear roadmap for your career.
What you will learnUncover the critical importance of the TPM role in the tech industryUnderstand and leverage the unique aspects of the TPM roleDiscover what makes a successful TPM through real-world case studiesMaster project management with advanced technical skills and AI toolsApply EI to enhance leadership and team managementExplore careers and paths for TPMs in the Big Five tech companiesWho this book is forThis book is designed for aspiring and established Technical Program Managers (TPMs), tech professionals transitioning into TPM roles, and recent graduates embarking on careers in technology consulting. It's also valuable for business analysts, project managers, and anyone supporting or working alongside TPMs. To fully benefit from this book, readers should have a basic understanding of the project management life cycle and be comfortable with technical concepts, as it dives into advanced topics and real-world applications.
Table of ContentsFundamentals of a Technical Program ManagerPillars of a Technical Program ManagerCareer PathsAn Introduction to Program Management Using a Case StudyDriving Toward ClarityPlan ManagementRisk ManagementStakeholder ManagementManaging a ProgramEmotional Intelligence in Technical Program ManagementThe Technical ToolsetCode Development ExpectationsSystem Design and Architecture LandscapeHarnessin
370 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2024
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January 22, 2025
The author’s expertise and experience as a TPM is evident throughout the book. He seems like someone I would enjoy working with. However, the book itself felt middling for my purposes. As an engineering leader who has acted in a TPM role (although never with the title) and is now managing TPMs, my goal is to find a resource for up leveling TPM teams. This book is not that.
That said, this book is likely valuable for someone new to the Technical Program Manager (TPM) role. For readers already familiar with technical program management, the content may feel basic and occasionally repetitive.
I did learn some from this book. There were a few practical tips and reminders, but nothing fundamentally new. However, the book’s structure is solid and clear. The writing is functional, although often closer to a textbook in tone. It was a reasonable resource for its intended audience.
The book is divided into three main sections that guide readers through the foundational aspects of being a TPM:
Understanding the TPM Role: Introduces the role of a TPM, distinguishing it from adjacent roles like product managers and engineering managers. It emphasizes the core competencies of driving clarity, managing cross-functional dependencies, and utilizing emotional intelligence to succeed.
Foundations of Program Management: Addresses key TPM responsibilities, including program planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. The recurring theme is clarity—transforming ambiguity into actionable plans at every stage of a project or program. It distinguished between project and program management in each area as well as what the TPM's technical skills bring to the table. It also has a chapter on emotional intelligence as a TPM. This section is the main substance of the book.
The Technical Toolkit: Throughout the book, the author makes note of what the *technical* program manager brings to the table. The final section explores the technical proficiencies that set TPMs apart, such as system design, architecture landscape analysis, and risk assessment. It also discusses how LLMs are changing the role of TPM, although not terribly deeply. While the content is helpful for beginners from a non-software background, those transferring from a software background can easily skim the content.
Ultimately, this book didn’t meet my specific needs as a manager looking to grow a team of TPMs. If you’re exploring the TPM role or transitioning into program management, this book offers a clear, practical guide. For seasoned professionals, you may want to look elsewhere.
That said, this book is likely valuable for someone new to the Technical Program Manager (TPM) role. For readers already familiar with technical program management, the content may feel basic and occasionally repetitive.
I did learn some from this book. There were a few practical tips and reminders, but nothing fundamentally new. However, the book’s structure is solid and clear. The writing is functional, although often closer to a textbook in tone. It was a reasonable resource for its intended audience.
The book is divided into three main sections that guide readers through the foundational aspects of being a TPM:
Understanding the TPM Role: Introduces the role of a TPM, distinguishing it from adjacent roles like product managers and engineering managers. It emphasizes the core competencies of driving clarity, managing cross-functional dependencies, and utilizing emotional intelligence to succeed.
Foundations of Program Management: Addresses key TPM responsibilities, including program planning, risk management, and stakeholder communication. The recurring theme is clarity—transforming ambiguity into actionable plans at every stage of a project or program. It distinguished between project and program management in each area as well as what the TPM's technical skills bring to the table. It also has a chapter on emotional intelligence as a TPM. This section is the main substance of the book.
The Technical Toolkit: Throughout the book, the author makes note of what the *technical* program manager brings to the table. The final section explores the technical proficiencies that set TPMs apart, such as system design, architecture landscape analysis, and risk assessment. It also discusses how LLMs are changing the role of TPM, although not terribly deeply. While the content is helpful for beginners from a non-software background, those transferring from a software background can easily skim the content.
Ultimately, this book didn’t meet my specific needs as a manager looking to grow a team of TPMs. If you’re exploring the TPM role or transitioning into program management, this book offers a clear, practical guide. For seasoned professionals, you may want to look elsewhere.
Displaying 1 of 1 review