Summary

In this chapter, we discussed the fundamentals of being a TPM. We started by explaining where the TPM overlaps with the generalized PM and program management and touched on the bare fundamentals for the technical aspect of our specialization. Then, we examined the TPM role specifically to see what makes us thrive and found that drive, clarity, and being a communication bridge set us apart from our colleagues. Next, we expanded our view to look more closely into how our specialties overlap with the job families around us and across the industry.

We’ll continue to build on these fundamentals as the book progresses and as we dive deeper into these topics to get a solid understanding of our role, how to be the most successful at the job, and how to progress your career the way that fits your skills and desires best.

Next, in Chapter 2, we’ll discuss the building blocks, or pillars, of the TPM role. We’ll build on the fundamentals we tackled in this chapter and dive deeper into the program management and project management strategies that help make us successful. Lastly, we’ll cover the technical nature of our role and how it feeds into the program management skills and techniques. Just as with the foundations found in this chapter, the pillars we discuss in Chapter 2 will be built upon and referenced throughout the book.