Product Ops : The Backstage Superstars of the Product team
This month I am celebrating 3 years as a Product Ops Lead. A cause for celebration? For sure. But maybe for some realizations as well.
I came to this role after many years as a product manager and as the founder and leader of a growth squad in one of Israel’s biggest publishers. This was a great path to follow, and it gave me many advantages as a Product Ops manager. However, it also highlighted some of the challenges that I can clearly identify today.
To be honest, I am very lucky today in my current role as a Product Ops manager. I have the ability to combine product hands-on, detail-oriented work with big picture thinking. This combination makes my days super interesting and packed, and it helps me to see the differences between the two perspectives more clearly.
When I started as Product Ops manager, this role was unique, it had a buzz going on but it was very different in each company and hard to define. Thanks to the amazing Product Ops IL community it became clearer once foundations were built.
Still there is one thing that we don’t talk about enough: The Loneliness of a Product Ops manager. This pain point rises frequently when talking to a colleague so if you are reading this, I am pretty sure you know what I mean.
As a Product Ops manager, we are responsible for creating workflows, defining processes, and ensuring that the product team is always prioritizing by our KPIs and working effectively. This makes us a vital part of the product team, but despite the crucial nature of our work, we often find ourselves staying behind the scenes.
It’s like being that great coach that you never get to see dunk. You know they’re responsible for the team’s success, but you don’t always see their contributions. It’s as if I’d ask you who Phil Jackson is other than asking who Michael Jordan is.
While we may not get the same level of recognition as the product managers or engineers, we know that our work is essential to the success of the product team. We’re the ones who make sure that the product team is running smoothly and that the product is meeting its goals.
The complexity of this role requires a unique set of skills and a willingness to prioritize the needs of the team over being the owner or getting the credit. We’re often navigating the ship, changing strategy or creating processes and workflows that we must then hand over to others. This can be a challenging experience, to let go of something that we’ve worked so hard on, and always stay behind the scenes.
Sometimes we have to be humble and give the spotlight to others and sit back knowing that this idea/ success/ approach wouldn’t happen without us. This requires strong leadership skills and the ability to embrace the idea that we are the quiet heroes that makes it all tick.
Another reason why Product Ops managers can feel lonely is because we’re often busy with defining our own role within the organization or even the team as it changes. Responsibilities and expectations of the role can vary widely depending on the specific product team and its focus. This lack of clarity can be isolating, as we must constantly navigate the wide range of this role: It is very common if you feel one day as the COO, one day as a coach and another as a negotiator or ambassador.
But here’s the good news: the loneliness of Product Ops managers can also be a source of strength. It is dynamic and always interesting. We have to be able to think outside the box (creativity is my number one strength) and come up with solutions to problems. The satisfaction — even without the glory — is huge. We have to be able to communicate effectively with a variety of stakeholders, from engineers to product managers to executives so we get to meet and interact with many different people.
As for myself — I try to look at it as if I were the product. And just as I prioritize new features for our sprint, I am constantly prioritizing my work — where can I be most impactful now? What should I tackle first to be most valuable?
I find this approach very helpful.
Here are a few more tips for dealing with the day to day challenges:
Find a mentor. A mentor can be a great source of support and guidance. They can help you navigate the ambiguity of the role and provide you with feedback on your work or give you perspective.
Join a community. If you are reading this I hope you are familiar with the IL Product Ops community. This can be a great way to connect with other Product Ops professionals and share ideas.
Take some time for yourself. It’s easy to forget your growth and even need for peace of mind while multitasking and keeping the orchestra together, but it is super important. I sincerely write it here as a reminder to myself as well. Remember that it also means we are doing our job great if everything keeps running smoothly while we are handling other issues.
So, if you’re considering a career in Product Ops, don’t let the loneliness scare you off. Embrace it! Use it as an opportunity to develop your skills and become a more well-rounded professional.
And remember, you’re not alone. There are thousands of Product Ops professionals out there who are feeling the same way you are. So feel free to reach out to me or to whoever you feel comfortable with and connect with them. You might just find that we have a lot in common.
