The product manager’s role is both crucial and challenging. New or relatively new product managers often find themselves in the deep end figuring out the complex world of product development, strategy, and user experience without a life preserver. The expectation to deliver results while continuously improving can be overwhelming, especially when you have little guidance or time for self-improvement. How can emerging product managers not just survive but thrive in this demanding environment? In this post, I share a step-wise approach with clear actions you can take immediately.
The journey to becoming an exceptional product manager begins with self-awareness. Your previous role before stepping into product management can offer valuable insights into potential blind spots. For instance, if your background is in marketing, you might not be as technically savvy as is needed for your new role. Conversely, an Engineering background might mean you need to develop stronger customer empathy and understanding. Start here to identify candidate areas for improvement.
Trust your intuition. You likely already have an idea as to what aspects of product management you struggle with and could use more attention. Often, your gut feeling about your weaknesses is spot on. But don’t just stop there, here’s a pro tip: instead of directly asking your peers and managers about your weak points, inquire about your strengths or "superpowers”. Listening to what they highlight can clue you in on what’s missing - it's a gentler and often more effective way to uncover your areas for improvement.
I experienced this personally when I joined Qualcomm in 2007. Going in, I knew that Qualcomm was an engineering-first company and that engineers were at the top of the food chain. I had both Engineering and Business university degrees at that point, but I knew that my Mechanical Engineering background and experience wouldn’t be enough for the engineers I would be working with at one of the world’s leading companies in wireless technology and innovation. Without question, this was my biggest blind spot going into that role.
Armed with a list of your blind spots, it's time to tackle them head-on. Fortunately, there are numerous strategies to address your areas for growth:
· Stretch assignments: Speak with your manager about taking on projects that challenge you in your weaker areas. This direct approach allows for hands-on learning and growth; it also signals to your manager that you want to grow and improve and are willing to put in the effort.
· Educational resources: Dive into articles, books, and blogs dedicated to product management. There is a wealth of knowledge out there that can provide insights and strategies to shore up your skills.
· Professional development: Look for training sessions, webinars, or podcasts focused on product management. These can offer new perspectives and best practices from seasoned product managers.
· Networking: Engage with other product managers. Whether through informal chats, professional networking events, or online forums, learning from peers can offer practical advice and encouragement.
· Coaching: Find a coach experienced in product management. While more expensive than a book or attending a conference, coaches offer personalized guidance, feedback, and support as you navigate your growth path.
For me in my role as Product Manager at Qualcomm, I did two very specific things to overcome my lack of wireless and mobility experience and engineering know-how. First, I spent a lot of time during my initial few weeks meeting with as many engineers in my business unit as I could. And when I met with them, I asked a lot of questions. This helped me learn and also showed genuine interest and curiosity. The second thing I did was read the “MediaFLO System Specification” cover-to-cover. This was a 600+ page technical document that specified all the core elements of MediaFLO (Qualcomm’s mobile TV technology); my manager had given me a copy as part of my onboarding. It took me a few days to get through this dense and highly technical document and some of it went over my head, but I did learn and retain a lot about the technology, how it worked, and what it was and was not capable of. The simple fact that I had taken the time to read the document and had a deeper knowledge of the underlying technology than any of the other product managers earned me the credibility and respect of the engineering team and demonstrated to them that I was not like “all the other product managers”.
As you implement your plan, regularly seeking feedback is crucial to ensure you're on the right track. This can be from your manager, peers, or coach. Constructive feedback not only confirms your progress but also helps you course correct and refine your improvement plan.
And most importantly, don't forget the importance of self-promotion. Once you start seeing progress, make sure to share your achievements with your manager. Sharing your growth and successes is not just about visibility; it's about demonstrating your commitment to continuous improvement and your capacity to take on greater challenges.
Improving as a product manager is a journey that requires introspection, strategic planning, and proactive engagement with feedback and self-promotion. It doesn’t happen on its own…you have to make it happen. By identifying your blind spots, crafting a plan to address them, and actively seeking and sharing feedback, you can elevate your skills and value as a product manager. Remember, the goal is not just to get better at what you do but to contribute more significantly to your team and projects, driving success for your products and your career.
In this dynamic field, where the only constant is change, embracing continuous learning and improvement is your best strategy for success. So, take the plunge, focus on your growth, and let your journey to becoming an exceptional product manager begin today.
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