Reflections on Product Management

It has been over 3 years I wanted to write this post but you know, life.

The prompt for these reflections comes from trying to explain what I do for living to friends far from the tech world, but also, and from myself.

I also wanted to codify my Product Management philosophy to keep me honest, and to get any feedback that my be out there, so here it goes…

Product Managers ensure products hit the market and meet their goals with the least amount of resources.

• They are opera composers and conductors: they write the specs and ensure the execution follows them.
• They are accountants: they ensure all pieces are accounted for and minimize waste.
• They are cheerleaders: they figure out how to energize their team.
• They are doers: they do what ever is needed to achieve the objective.

Product Managers continuously synthesize new information.

• What’s the status quo of the technologies she/he manages and what are relevant emerging innovations.
• What are the clients and internal stakeholders asking, how much they are willing to pay, how those needs are satisfied and how all of this changes over time.
• What’s the business environment, including trends, regulations, competitors, etc.
• What are the resources available today and tomorrow.

Product Managers always have a perspective grounded on the available data.

• They clearly articulate what’s the most important goal to achieve at any given time, why and how to measure the results.
• They define an ever evolving roadmap to achieve the goals, in the most efficient way possible, within the constraints they operate in.
• They are willing to be wrong and to change their perspective when provided with new inputs.

Product Managers listen and create alignment.

• They constantly absorb knowledge from others: colleagues, clients, literature.
• They identify and bring to resolution interpersonal conflicts and disagreements across stakeholders.
• They work to gain respect from all teams, departments and clients.
• They manage their own and others emotions.
• They strive to bring wisdom to the table.

Note: in my experience the sequencing the above is also how time allocation shifts with seniority.

All views are my own.