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To newly minted Product Managers:
Several years ago, I left school early to accept a job as a PM. I barely knew what the job entailed, failed a bunch, & learned a ton.
With that, I tend to get a constant stream of new PMs reach out for advice.
Here's what I tell them —
Several years ago, I left school early to accept a job as a PM. I barely knew what the job entailed, failed a bunch, & learned a ton.
With that, I tend to get a constant stream of new PMs reach out for advice.
Here's what I tell them —
*Get your first win* — Sure, the praise is nice. However, the most important reason to get your first win is so you build a barometer for what it feels like.
When you have this barometer, you can tell if you're on/off track before it's too late. Great PM's have this sixth sense.
When you have this barometer, you can tell if you're on/off track before it's too late. Great PM's have this sixth sense.
*What is a win?* — It's simple:
1/ Help build something people want.
2/ Ship it on (or before) schedule.
3/ Once you're done, make sure the team doesn't hate you.
Many PMs struggle with doing 2 of the 3 consistently, let alone all 3.
1/ Help build something people want.
2/ Ship it on (or before) schedule.
3/ Once you're done, make sure the team doesn't hate you.
Many PMs struggle with doing 2 of the 3 consistently, let alone all 3.
*Facilitate don't dictate* — You have responsibility, not authority. Your job isn't to make decisions, it's to give a group of very smart people the context they need to make a decision. Do this well & you're golden.
The "CEO of the product" line has derailed many PM careers.
The "CEO of the product" line has derailed many PM careers.
*Be a catalyst* — The best PMs I know view themselves as catalysts. Without the PM, the team would still move forward. With the PM, they should move significantly faster.
This isn't a diss. In a world of compounding wins, helping things move faster can be extremely impactful.
This isn't a diss. In a world of compounding wins, helping things move faster can be extremely impactful.
*Don't control the flow of information* — You might feel insecure because you don't bring a tangible skill-set to the team. Many PMs try to control the flow of external information as a way to feel valued. Do yourself a favor & skip this step.
You'll grow 10x faster when you do.
You'll grow 10x faster when you do.
*Don't overreact* — PMs get *way* more credit than they deserve, but they also get *way* more shit than they deserve. It comes with the territory.
Stay humble when things go well, stay resilient when things don't.
Stay humble when things go well, stay resilient when things don't.
*Have fun* — 85% of the job is straight grunt work, but man that last 15%... it gives you access to brilliant minds, great conversations, & exposure to wild projects.
Don't take the role too seriously, help the people around you succeed, & enjoy it.
You're gonna do great!
Don't take the role too seriously, help the people around you succeed, & enjoy it.
You're gonna do great!
