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👨‍🏫 HBR Research on Burnout says TPM’s can actually alleviate burnout.

Houston, we have a problem: Burnout.

The Harvard Business Review recently published an article highlighting a major cause for burnout.

This authors of this article give these people a name: Boundary Spanners.

There is TONS of research backing the idea that cross-functional collaboration across silos (or the attempted elimination of silos) is very beneficial……for the company.

But this research is pointing out that these ad-hoc boundary spanning responsibilities aren’t so great for the people: “[they] may be faced with higher levels of cognitive and emotional demands, which could lead to higher levels of burnout.”

Is this research saying TPM’s are destined for burnout?

The short answer is NO. Let’s dig in.

There is a small caveat in the research that is VERY important for us to see as TPM’s.

It’s small, but significant. It’s found in this quote:

Technical Program Managers….that’s not us. The description above is very much part of our formal role.

I know, I KNOW, I wanted to identify with this article as being burnt-out. But my desire to tell people why my job is hard just doesn’t line up with this research.

But hold on: you should be encouraged by this research.

Why? It legitimizes, with data at its core, your role as a technical program manager.

This article goes on to suggest at least one solution to reducing burn-out of these ad-hoc boundary spanners:

• Strategically integrate cross-silo collaboration into formal roles: What’s crucial here is ensuring that the work performed by boundary spanners is recognized and that there are clear expectations for their indispensable role as cross-team, cross-function collaborator, in addition to their functional roles.

  • (TLDR: Rather than rely on informal boundary spanners, inject some formal boundary spanners!)

That’s you. The formal role that is indispensable in cross-team, cross-functional collaboration.

This is a selling point to your organizational leaders for the value of The TPM Craft. Reduction of burnout, reduction of church, increase in velocity, etc.

But wait…I’m a TPM and definitely feeling burnout!

With all that being said, this research isn’t intended to de-legitimatize burnout among TPM’s.

Any role in any industry can experience burnout.

TPM’s are easily at risk to burn out, partially due to the specific boundary-spanning attributes of the role!

Consider these common root causes of burnout among TPM’s:

1. Lack of Recognition: When cross-silo contributions are undervalued, TPMs may feel their efforts go unnoticed.

2. High Workload and Constant Context Switching: Juggling different programs and teams requires frequent context switching, which is mentally taxing.

3. Ambiguous Roles: Unclear expectations and responsibilities can create stress and confusion.

Here are a few things I have found helpful in battling burnout, specifically in the role of being a TPM:

1. Lack of Recognition bothering you? Document and share achievements. Keep a detailed record of your accomplishments, have an open dialog with your manager, and regularly update stakeholders on your progress.

2. Experiencing High Workload and Constant Context Switching? Manage up to effectively influence your workload, take control of your calendar with time blocking, and take breaks!

3. Struggling with ambiguous role definition? Establish expectations first with your manager, then with your peers. Create a roles and responsibilities document if needed.

But regardless of role, the most important tool to battle burn out in my life is this: Invest in relationships outside of work.

The people in your life matter. Disconnecting from your work context with people that really matter to you is not just good, but essential.

A note of encouragement to my fellow TPMs

To all Technical Program Managers feeling overlooked and devalued: I’m sorry you’re experiencing that.

Your work is crucial in bridging the gaps between silos, ensuring initiatives move forward smoothly. Remember that your efforts can be the backbone of successful program execution. By fostering collaboration across departments, you’re driving innovation and efficiency.

Your skills in navigating complexities and maintaining a cohesive vision are invaluable.

Keep pushing forward, knowing that your contributions are making a significant impact, even if it’s not always immediately visible.

Cheers to my fellow TPM’s, I’m thankful for you.

People

🤝 Zhanat Abylkassym: Evangelizing The TPM Craft

Another useful tool for managing burnout? Being connected to community.

I need to introduce you to someone important in the world of Technical Program Management: Zhanat Abylkassym.

Zhanat is one of the co-founders of The TPM Summit! His ability to build community is second to none.

If you’re interested in getting more connected to the TPM community, Zhanat is a person you need to know.

Resources

📚 2024 TPM Summit, coming up in October! (10% discount for 10 people!)

Did you know there is a TPM Summit happening this year?

I had the opportunity to attend the first-ever TPM Summit last year and let me tell you, it was AMAZING.

It was truly validating and therapeutic to attend a conference with hundreds of other TPM’s that understood the challenges of being a TPM.

The community of TPM’s is strong. And when we all gather together, magic happens. I walked away with so many more connections and friends than any other conference I’ve attended.

Please join the TPM community this year!