The Power of Quiet People in Meetings and the Essence of Product Development

The Power of Quiet People in Meetings and the Essence of Product Development

Meetings can often feel like a waste of time, with no resolutions reached and a lot of unnecessary talking. However, there is one group of people who often go unnoticed but hold incredible value in these settings - the quiet individuals. While others may be focused on looking smart or talking excessively, the quiet ones are observing, listening, and taking notes. They are the doers, not the talkers, and their presence can have a significant impact on the outcome of a meeting.

In a world where job titles often dictate behavior, it is not uncommon for individuals to talk too much, thinking they know everything about the market when they actually don't. The brightest minds in the room are often the ones who remain silent, absorbing information and analyzing the situation at hand. They understand the importance of concise communication and know when to speak up and when to hold back. Their ability to choose their words wisely allows them to make a meaningful impact in a shorter amount of time.

There is a remarkable story about a person who used the power of listening to climb his way up in the corporate ladder. By simply sitting in meetings and offering to take notes, he gained the trust and respect of others. He became a valuable member of the team, eventually finding himself in meetings with the founders of Google. His success stemmed from his ability to remain quiet and let others do the talking. This story exemplifies the power of quietness and the influence it can have on one's career.

In a society that often values hot air and noise over quietness, it is essential to shift our perspective and appreciate the value of those who prefer to observe and listen. The desire to be heard in meetings can hinder our learning and prevent us from truly understanding the complexities of a situation. Quiet people have the ability to hear things that others may not, allowing them to gain unique insights and contribute in meaningful ways.

Similarly, in the realm of product development, there is a need to understand the essence of a product. It is not solely about the business model or the user experience; it is a delicate balance of addressing customer needs, business viability, and technological feasibility. The equation of product development is Customer x Business x Technology, and addressing all three aspects is crucial for success.

Unfortunately, many startup founders and product managers often focus solely on the business model, presenting beautifully filled-in business model canvases without validating their assumptions. On the other hand, some designers and even product managers prioritize user experience above all else, neglecting the economic and business considerations. To truly create a successful product, there must be a deep understanding and integration of all three elements: customer, business, and technology.

Leaders in product management, user experience design, and engineering must champion this fundamental equation of product development. They need to actively coach and guide their teams, ensuring that everyone understands the importance of addressing usability risk, feasibility risk, and business viability risk. When there is a shared understanding of this equation, the entire team is better equipped to make informed decisions and drive the product forward.

In conclusion, the power of quiet people in meetings and the essence of product development lie in their ability to observe, listen, and understand. By valuing quietness over excessive talking, we open ourselves up to new perspectives and insights. In the realm of product development, it is crucial to recognize the importance of addressing customer needs, business viability, and technological feasibility. To harness the power of the quiet ones and create successful products, remember these three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace silence in meetings and give space for quiet individuals to contribute. Their insights can be invaluable and lead to better outcomes.

• 2. Foster a culture of listening and learning within your teams. Encourage everyone to actively listen and seek different perspectives before making decisions.

• 3. Ensure that your product development team understands the equation of product: Customer x Business x Technology. Coach them on the importance of addressing all three aspects to achieve a well-rounded and successful product.

By incorporating these practices, we can tap into the power of quietness and create products that truly meet the needs of customers, are economically viable, and leverage the latest technologies.