Key Points from Yogesh's Lecture on Leadership in TPM Interviews

Introduction

• Speaker: Yogesh, GPM Lead in a top tech company
• Focus: Leadership, situational questions, behavioral aspects in TPM interviews

Importance of Leadership in TPM Role

• TPM must lead overall program/team/portfolio
• Roles in programs: sponsors, executives, engineering leads, engineers, product managers, data analysts
• TPM: persistent role throughout program, leads the outcome
• Leadership without authority: actions, influence, outcome
• Have examples ready of how you led programs/portfolios

Key Traits for TPM Leadership

• Fearlessness: Saying no when necessary, backing your team
• Cross-functional leadership: Handling internal customers/stakeholders like marketing, finance, product managers, customer support
• Ability to provide examples of leading cross-functional teams

Situational Questions

• Types of situations: Missing timelines, unforeseen risks, last-minute defects
• Prepare examples for such scenarios
• Personal Contribution: Highlight individual role within team effort
• Importance of solid data to support arguments

Behavioral Questions

• Dealing with non-cooperative team members: Relationship management, influence, keeping program interest central
• Hypothetical Questions: Examples include re-prioritizing efforts, regulatory changes
• Program management triangle: Scope, schedule, budget
• Frame answers to show thought process and option creation
• Communicating with Sponsors: Effective offline and written communication

General Tips for Answering Questions

• Reiterate and understand questions properly
• Take pauses, use paper to organize thoughts
• Formulate answers clearly and strategically

Conclusion

• Leadership, situational awareness, and behavioral responses are vital for TPM roles
• Reflect on real experiences to answer questions effectively

Additional Resources

• Website: PrepfuIIy.com
• Mock interviews available
• Subscription encouraged