Exploring What Makes a TPM Thrive
Learn about the communication bridge between teams and TPM's keys to success.
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The topic of what makes a TPM thrive comes up in every interview we’ve conducted about the TPM position. So, we’ve put some thought into everything that a TPM does. The things we are going to discuss are not qualities specific to a company, team, or variation on the TPM role—they are transitive from one position to the next.
Drive to get things done
First and foremost, for a TPM to thrive, they need to focus on pushing forwards and getting things done. It sounds a bit cliché, as though you are reading it from a job description, but it is resoundingly true. Our innate drive to solve roadblocks, build the plan, mitigate risk, and drive towards deadlines are key to a project’s success. We don’t want to lose momentum because the second we do, we risk losing all progress and having to start over.
This may be because during the time the project is blocked, the individuals working on it may move on or lose context as priorities change, necessitating more time to ramp back up. It is in our best interests to resolve issues quickly because maintaining engagement, focus, and motivation facilitates an immediate and more dedicated response.
This is a trait that isn’t always present in roles ...