"Mean People Fail: Insights on Success and Benevolence"

"Mean People Fail: Insights on Success and Benevolence"

It's a common belief that mean people often fail in life. This observation holds true not just in personal relationships but also in professional settings. When we look at the most successful individuals, we often find that they are not mean-spirited individuals. Of course, there are exceptions, but they are remarkably few. This realization has led many to question why being mean can hinder success and why being a good person can contribute to it.

One reason why mean people fail is that their behavior makes them stupid. When someone is constantly engaging in fights and conflicts, they are not able to focus on doing their best work. This is because fights are not sufficiently general and do not allow for the creativity and innovation required for success. Winning in any endeavor, including startups, is not about attacking others but about transcending challenges and finding unique solutions.

Another reason why mean founders often fail is that they struggle to attract the best talent to work for them. A mean person cannot convince the most talented individuals to join their team unless they are exceptionally persuasive. Building a successful company requires a team of skilled and dedicated individuals who are willing to go above and beyond to achieve greatness. Mean-spirited leaders often struggle to inspire and motivate others, resulting in a lack of cohesion and collaboration within the company.

Interestingly, the startup founders who end up being the most successful are not driven primarily by money. Instead, they are driven by a spirit of benevolence and a desire to make a positive impact. When we think of historically successful individuals who were not ruthless, we often think of mathematicians, writers, and artists. Their motivation was not solely financial gain but the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and the betterment of society. This suggests that if you want to build great things, it helps to be driven by a sense of purpose and a genuine desire to make a difference.

Now, let's shift our focus to another topic: how to become a product manager. The role of a product manager is crucial in deciding what to build and ensuring that it aligns with the business and customer objectives. Product managers are responsible for leading product development and management teams, ensuring clear communication, and meeting deadlines. To become a successful product manager, there are certain skills and steps you can take.

Firstly, it is important to have problem-solving skills and industry experience. Companies often prioritize these qualities when hiring product managers. However, having problem-solving skills alone is not enough. Product managers also need to be creative in their approach to problem-solving. They must be able to think outside the box and come up with unique solutions that may not occur to others.

Additionally, having a strategic mindset is essential for managing a product's life cycle. Product managers need to think strategically, considering the long-term goals and objectives of the product. This requires keen listening and questioning skills, as well as the ability to prioritize tasks effectively.

Outstanding communication skills and high levels of empathy are also crucial for success as a product manager. Product managers need to be proficient communicators, as they are responsible for distributing information and ensuring that everyone on the team is clear on their objectives. Empathy is important in understanding the needs and perspectives of customers and stakeholders, enabling product managers to make informed decisions.

So, how can you become a product manager? There are two ways: without any prior experience or within your current company. To start, it is important to research the role and talk to current product managers. Reach out to professionals in the field and gain insights into their experiences. You can also watch videos or read articles by product managers to gain a better understanding of the role and the types of companies that hire product managers.

Taking a product management certification course can also be beneficial. These courses provide comprehensive training and knowledge in product management principles and practices. They can help you develop the skills necessary to excel in the role.

Another actionable step is to start a side project and oversee it from beginning to end. This demonstrates your ability to manage a product's life cycle and problem-solve along the way. It is important to document your process, including any failures or mistakes, as this showcases your problem-solving abilities and willingness to learn.

Building a technical background can also be advantageous. While not always a requirement, having a basic understanding of technical concepts shows your willingness to learn and adapt. You can start by learning basic coding languages or diving into more complex topics if you feel comfortable.

If you are already working in a company and aspire to become a product manager, there are steps you can take within your current role. Find a project that you can own end-to-end and volunteer to solve problems as a side project. This allows you to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to lead cross-functional collaboration.

Documenting your projects and experiences is essential. Keep track of your achievements, failures, and learnings. This can be done through a personal blog, LinkedIn profile, or any other platform that allows you to showcase your skills and experiences.

Finally, when applying for a product manager role, highlight your experience in identifying, diagnosing, and solving problems, as well as your ability to collaborate and take ownership of projects. Emphasize your communication skills and empathy, as these are highly valued qualities in product management.

In conclusion, being mean often leads to failure, both personally and professionally. Successful individuals, whether in startups or other fields, tend to be good people who prioritize benevolence and a genuine desire to make a positive impact. When it comes to becoming a product manager, problem-solving skills, creativity, strategic thinking, communication skills, and empathy are key. By following the actionable steps mentioned, you can increase your chances of becoming a successful product manager and making a meaningful contribution to your organization.