Introduction
In early-stage startups, many founders or CTOs think they can manage the software team on their own. I also thought like this in the beginning.
But very soon, you start to feel that something is not working. The team is building things, but delivery is late. Features are not coming out the way you imagined. Developers are asking too many questions, or worse – they are silent but unhappy.
What’s missing here is a proper Project Manager.
A good PM is not just someone who tracks tasks. They help your team stay focused, communicate better, and avoid all the confusion that slows down your progress. I want to share with you why hiring a PM is not a waste of money – it actually saves you more than you can imagine.
Why Software Projects Really Fail
“Most failed software projects fail not because of poor coding but because of poor planning, management, and communication.”
– Steve McConnell, Software Project Survival Guide
I learned this the hard way. My team had skilled developers, but without proper planning and daily follow-up, we were late and tired. Features were built again and again because the requirements were not clear.
A PM makes sure:
- Everyone understands the task before starting.
- Communication is smooth between business and developers.
- You don’t waste time fixing the same problem again.
Business Language vs Developer Language
I used to explain a feature to the team and thought I was clear. But what they delivered was different from what I expected. This happened many times.
“The best PMs aren’t great at processes – they’re great at understanding people.”
– Scott Berkun, The Art of Project Management
A good PM understands how to explain business goals to developers in a technical way. They also help translate developer questions back to the business side. They are like a bridge – and this bridge avoids misunderstandings.
The Hidden Cost of Not Hiring a PM
“Trying to speed up a late project by adding more developers usually makes it later.”
– Steve McConnell, Rapid Development
This is true. I hired more developers thinking things would speed up. But there was more confusion, more back-and-forth, and more meetings. The problem was not the team size – it was the lack of structure.
Without a PM, you risk:
- Missed deadlines
- Features with poor quality
- Tired and confused developers
- Angry clients or stakeholders
The PM Brings Leadership and Focus
“In the absence of leadership, even the best teams descend into chaos.”
– Managing the Unmanageable
As a founder, your job is to lead the company. You should focus on strategy, growth, and vision – not on daily follow-up, task tracking, and blockers. A PM handles the team operations. They run the sprints, write the specs, and make sure delivery happens on time.
So, Is It Worth Paying for a PM?
In my opinion: yes. 100%.
Even if you hire a part-time or freelance PM, the benefits are big:
Without PM | With PM
————-|————-
- You are the bottleneck | You are free to lead
- Developers are confused | Developers are clear and focused
- Delivery is late | Delivery is predictable
- Everyone is frustrated | Everyone knows what to do
Final Words
“Successful software development is 80% people and 20% tech.”
– Managing the Unmanageable
A Project Manager takes care of the people and the process, so the tech can shine.
I used to think we could manage everything ourselves. But now, I tell every startup founder: don’t wait too long. Hire a PM.
You’ll thank yourself later.
