Why Your Project Absolutely Needs a PM
Why Your Project Absolutely Needs a Project Manager
There are plenty of jokes online about project managers – that their main job is to keep asking for task updates and just “chill.”
But it’s not nearly as simple as it looks at first glance.
Hi, my name is Yunus, and I’m a BackEnd developer at CherryPick.
And despite that, in one of my personal cases, I ended up becoming a kind of project manager myself. So today, I want to share my thoughts on the role of a PM in your project.
First, let’s break down what tasks a PM actually handles:
- Client communication. The PM receives the project requirements and task details directly from the client. They’re the ones responsible for properly “translating” those requirements into a language the development team understands.
- Team coordination. The PM interacts with developers, designers, and other specialists. They’re the connecting link that keeps everyone aligned on current priorities.
- Internal communication. Without a solid flow of information inside the team, it’s easy to descend into chaos. The PM ensures every team member knows what to do, when to do it, and has everything they need to get it done.
- Task tracking. “When will the feature be ready?” – the classic question that makes developers sigh or smile. But without this kind of control, a project risks falling behind schedule.
- Shielding the team. If the team can’t deliver a new feature on time, the PM is the first one to talk to the client, explain the delays, and help soften any blow to the team’s reputation.
Based on all this, anyone applying for a PM role needs strong communication skills – both to work with the team and to resolve misunderstandings with clients.
Also, being a project manager is a big responsibility:
if they receive detailed requirements from a client and relay them incorrectly to the team, in the end, everything will have to be redone.
That means the client loses time and money, and the company (whether it’s an agency or an internal team) loses its reputation – and in today’s world, reputation is one of the most valuable business assets.
Risks of not having a project manager in your team
Over the years, working in different companies as a developer, I’ve seen a lot of different processes. I’ve seen how PMs work, how some complete slackers can’t even write a proper task description, or how in some companies, there’s simply no PM at all.
I’ve also seen firsthand how incompetent project managers can kill promising projects, poorly managing the team and breaking down morale.
But I’m very happy that lately, I’ve been lucky to work with some incredibly competent PMs – true professionals. I’m always glad I can go to them for help with tasks or questions (sometimes more than once).
Being a project manager is about knowing how to negotiate, adapt to change, and keep the team focused on the goal – even when everything around is on fire. It’s about being accountable for the final result, not just “asking for status” or “reminding about deadlines.”
Final thoughts
So if you see a project manager juggling dozens of tasks while keeping the team calm – know that you’re looking at someone whose role is far more important than it might seem at first glance.
Need a PM for your next project?
If you're tired of delays, misunderstandings, and features going off track — you're not alone. A strong project manager can save your timeline, your budget, and your sanity.
Want to see how a proper PM setup can improve your process?
Book a quick consultation with our team — we’ll walk you through how we manage projects at CherryPick and what difference it can make for yours.