The 3 Stages of a Product Manager's Career: The No. 1 Predictor of Career Success According to Network Science

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Sep 21, 2023

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The 3 Stages of a Product Manager's Career: The No. 1 Predictor of Career Success According to Network Science

As a product manager, your career progression is not solely determined by the scope of the products you work on. It is the new responsibilities and expectations that you take on as you advance that truly differentiate you. Understanding the three stages of a product manager's career is crucial for anyone looking to excel in this field.

The first stage of a product manager's career is focused on shipping products. This is where the day-to-day product lifecycle work happens. From discovering the needs of the market to defining the product, designing and developing it, and finally delivering it to the customers, this stage requires a deep understanding of the product lifecycle. However, simply getting better at product sense, analytical skills, and execution won't be enough to reach the next level.

The second stage of a product manager's career is where the job changes significantly. As a senior product manager, your role is to identify new opportunities and put together a plan for how to win them. This requires a strategic mindset and the ability to think beyond the immediate product lifecycle. It's about understanding the market, competition, and customer needs on a broader scale. To excel in this stage, you need to be more intentional about your work and constantly seek out new opportunities.

The third and final stage of a product manager's career is all about building a great team. As a product manager at this level, you have the responsibility to hire people, coach them, and set up processes that enable your organization to create winning strategies and ship winning products at a larger scale. This stage requires strong leadership skills and the ability to think strategically. Additionally, being a strategic advisor to the rest of the company is crucial. You need to be able to connect the dots and provide valuable insights to other teams within the organization.

While understanding the stages of a product manager's career is important, it's equally crucial to consider the No. 1 predictor of career success according to network science - being in an open network. Research has shown that simply being part of an open network, as opposed to a closed one, is the best predictor of career success. An open network exposes you to diverse perspectives and allows you to generate new ideas. It provides a more accurate view of the world by pulling information from various clusters, helping to cancel out errors.

People with open networks are proven to be better forecasters and have the ability to serve as translators or connectors between different groups. They can create value by connecting individuals or organizations who can help each other, even if they wouldn't normally cross paths. The top performers in various fields have networks that consist of 90% conventional references and 10% atypical ones, drawing from other fields. This ability to create atypical combinations is a key aspect of creativity.

Creativity, as Steve Jobs said, is just connecting things. The broader your understanding of the human experience, the better design you can create. Having an open network allows you to connect the dots and see opportunities that others might miss. It's about following your heart and curiosity into unknown worlds, trusting that the dots will somehow connect in your future.

To excel in your product manager career and increase your chances of success, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  • 1. Continuously seek new opportunities: As you progress in your career, don't get too comfortable with the day-to-day product lifecycle work. Look for new opportunities and challenges that will allow you to broaden your skills and knowledge.
  • 2. Build and nurture a diverse network: Invest time in building relationships with people from different backgrounds and industries. Seek out diverse perspectives and new ideas. Act as a connector between different groups, creating value through these connections.
  • 3. Be a strategic advisor: Develop your strategic thinking skills and become a valuable resource for the rest of the company. Connect the dots and provide insights that can help shape winning strategies for the organization.

In conclusion, understanding the stages of a product manager's career and the importance of having an open network are crucial for long-term success. By continuously seeking new opportunities, building a diverse network, and becoming a strategic advisor, you can excel in your career and make a significant impact in the field of product management.

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