The Common Traits of Great Product Managers and the Success of Strava

The Common Traits of Great Product Managers and the Success of Strava

Introduction:
Product Managers (PMs) play a crucial role in the success of a company. They possess certain traits and skills that set them apart and make them great at what they do. Additionally, the success of companies like Strava, which have built a strong community around their product, offers valuable insights into creating a long-lasting global company. In this article, we will explore the ten traits of great PMs and how Strava's journey can provide inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Trait 1: Excellent Communication Skills:
Great PMs are adept at written communication. They understand the importance of clear and concise messaging to convey their ideas effectively to the team. By writing well, PMs can articulate their vision, build consensus, and drive the team towards shared goals.

Trait 2: Consensus Building and Decision-Making:
PMs excel at building consensus within the team, ensuring everyone is aligned towards a common objective. However, they also possess the ability to make difficult decisions when necessary. They balance the need for collaboration with the need for making tough choices that benefit the customer experience and the business.

Trait 3: Taking Responsibility:
Great PMs have a humble approach to success and failure. They willingly accept blame when things go wrong, taking responsibility for the team's actions. Conversely, they pass on praise to their team members, acknowledging their contributions and creating a culture of recognition and appreciation.

Trait 4: Forward-Thinking and Strategy:
A distinguishing characteristic of great PMs is their ability to live in the future and work backward. They constantly refine their product strategy to maximize its impact on the business. By envisioning the future and working backward, they can align the team's efforts towards achieving long-term goals.

Trait 5: Customer-Centric Approach:
PMs actively seek insights into customer needs and pain points. They engage in research, conduct experiments, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to gain a deep understanding of their target audience. This customer-centric approach allows them to craft well-designed product experiences that resonate with users.

Trait 6: Focusing on Impact:
Great PMs are driven by amplifying their team's impact on the customer experience and the business. They go above and beyond to ensure that every decision and action contributes to creating a meaningful and valuable product. Their relentless pursuit of impact sets them apart from the rest.

Strava's Success Story:
Strava, the popular fitness app, has experienced incredible growth by prioritizing its community. The company's North Star has always been community engagement, and this focus has allowed them to build a loyal user base. By keeping the app simple and avoiding unnecessary features, Strava has created a platform where people feel a sense of belonging.

The phrase, "If it's not on Strava, it didn't happen," demonstrates the power of public proof of work. Users strive to achieve world records on Strava, creating a competitive and motivating environment. This concept can be applied to other areas, such as Glasp, where public recognition of achievements can drive engagement and growth.

Strava's intentional decision not to prioritize profitability in the early stages reflects the importance of community growth. By becoming the most engaged community of athletes in the world, Strava has positioned itself for long-term success and the opportunity to build a great business.

Actionable Advice:

1. Develop strong written communication skills to effectively convey your ideas and vision to your team and stakeholders.
2. Foster a culture of recognition and appreciation by taking responsibility for mistakes and passing on praise to your team members.
3. Prioritize community engagement and user experience to create a loyal user base that will support the growth of your product.

Conclusion:
Great PMs possess a unique set of traits that enable them to drive the success of their teams and products. Strava's journey serves as a testament to the importance of community engagement and building a platform where users feel a sense of belonging. By incorporating the traits of great PMs and learning from successful companies like Strava, aspiring entrepreneurs can enhance their chances of creating long-lasting global companies that make a significant impact.