The Convergence of Engineering and Product Management

A Warning and a Way Forward

As a Product Leader with unique insights into the world of Product Management and Engineering, I’m noticing a trend that is reshaping our industry. Engineers are stepping into product roles, and the lines are blurring. What does this mean for traditional Product Managers? In this post, I’ll explore the challenges, opportunities, and propose a roadmap for success.

The Trend: Engineers in Product Management

The trend is clear: Engineers are moving into the product realm, and their skills in both articulating customer problems and building solutions are becoming more apparent. A personal experience that stands out for me occurred during my time at Firework. My tech lead, and right hand man, although not aspiring to be a Product Manager, exhibited all the traits of a great one. He worked directly with me to understand and articulate customer problems, and then he built the solutions. This experience was eye-opening and further solidified my understanding of the growing convergence between Engineering and Product Management.

The Danger: A Growing Gap

This convergence poses a significant challenge for those who can only articulate the customer problem but need others to build it. As Engineers become more adept at both, the gap between these skill sets widens, and the risk to traditional product roles grows.

The Challenge: A Missed Opportunity in Product Conferences

While observing the trend of engineers moving into product management roles, another concerning pattern has emerged in the product conferences themselves. There is a conspicuous lack of focus on the build and execution process. This oversight isn’t just a minor gap; it’s a missed opportunity that could hinder the evolution of the industry. The time has come for industry leaders and conference organizers to recognize this shortcoming and devote more attention to the actual building and execution, ensuring a more harmonious collaboration and more robust products.

The Solution: Adaptation and Collaboration

Close Collaboration with Engineering:

• Mutual Understanding: Both sides should come together to discuss their challenges and opportunities.
• Cross-functional Empathy: Product Managers should grasp the delivery and building side and the hurdles involved.

Embrace Low-Code and No-Code Tools

• Focus on Customer Problems: Recognize that the real value lies in solving customer issues and validating solutions.
• Skill Enhancement: Embrace these tools for quicker validation and a more cohesive approach to problem-solving.

Conclusion

The future of Product Management lies in learning, empathy, and collaboration. The road ahead may be complex, but by embracing these principles, we can forge a new path that’s inclusive, innovative, and forward-thinking. I welcome your thoughts and insights on this subject, so please feel free to comment below or reach out to me directly.

About the Author:

With over a decade in Product Management, Mike has honed a vision and drive dedicated to creating standout digital solutions. From ideation to delivery, the customer is always at the heart of every decision. As a Product Manager, Mike leads beyond products, mentoring and inspiring teams with a data-driven, user-centric approach. Leveraging OKRs for alignment, Mike ensures products resonate, make an impact, and drive growth. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.