An image has been circulating the web lately that I got a kick out of. I am a Producer, not a Project Manager – but there are several elements within my role that require strong PM skills & I utilize…
I love it – so many reasons why – but behind comedy and criticism lies some truths… So Developers see themselves as scientists, designers as babies and PM’s are lazy. Designers look at themselves as beauty queens, developers as fat sloppy nerds with no life and PMs as those who like to destroy things. Finally a PM seems him or herself as a peace negotiator, a designer as simply someone who fills in the lines with colors and developers a dime a dozen – robots who do what they are told.
Standing up for Designers – we have seen all kinds, babies, queens, and those who just go with the flow with minimal Photoshop skills. I like the designer who works with the developer and producer/project manager to come up with not only the most creative product, but a product that is technicaly sound and creatively unique and exciting (all while meeting that important “it can be done” mantra within the given time-frame/budget).
As a former developer = we aren’t all losers (at least we don’t think we are) – and yes there are developers who are obsessed with showing off that they are smarter then everyone else involved with a project & any idea that is brought up can quickly be shot down with technical jargon. I prefer the developer who can bring it down a notch & talk the talk, not say no right away & listen and bring up alternatives that entertain the idea of compromise.
As a former PM, they do not like to break good ideas down – they aren’t lazy for sure… that’s a horrible misconception. A good PM is one who also can work with a designer & developer – help them quickly the logistics related to the project, can offer creative feedback and bridge the gaps between silo’ed teams.
It is imperative that these three unique roles work together in Advertising, in Marketing, in Software Development. Can’t we all just get along?
