Comments on: Metamorphosis into the Agile Project Manager…becoming the “Passive Conduit”

By: Cynthia

Cynthia — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 14:03:27 +0000

Nice article. I like the comment about “Light Touch” PM-ing and found out most people like it. However, if the organization does not support this time of PM-ing it is very difficult to make a case for using it.

By: Jason

Jason — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:32:56 +0000

Perhaps it’s a an Agile vs. Scrum thing, or maybe just a style thing, but I have found the ‘Light Touch’ method of PM-ing much easier to deal with, as a team member. PM’s who feel a need to get too involved can lead to confusion and an overbearing presence. PM’s who take on removing obstacles and providing air cover for their team become more of a team member, and less of a ‘manager’.

It’s a fine line to tread. In big corporations it can be hard to show that you are adding value, by not being too involved.

By: gschlitz

gschlitz — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:16:39 +0000

Great point. By “conduit” I do not mean to imply a simple transfer of information. To be an effective conduit I believe the PM has to not just transfer information, but also facilitate action. The important point I hoped to make was that often times, PMs are tempted to internalize challenges, issues, risks, and decisions, when the more effective approach is to facilitate resolution or acknowledgement of these things with those who are empowered to do something about them.

By getting these things to the right people, and facilitating action, the PM is helping people on the team and outside the team do their part to foster project success- hopefully making them (and the organization) more effective.

I think I agree with your “active” conduit comment…thanks!

By: Giora Morein

Giora Morein — Thu, 10 Jan 2008 00:06:26 +0000

I think the Project Manager or Scrummaster is more than a passive conduit – or a transfer agent. We have met many pm’s that all they do is write status reports, presentations and emails and shuffle information from one party to the next – these people don’t get much traction – and at the end of the day all they have are a bunch of people to blame. These types of managers behave more like administrators than leaders. Perhaps an “Active Conduit” is more appropriate.