The core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit are the three primary considerations when evaluating the role of a product manager. However, it is important to note that product managers do not have direct authority over all aspects of making their products successful. This includes user and data research, design and development, marketing, sales, and support.

The core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit are the three primary considerations when evaluating the role of a product manager. However, it is important to note that product managers do not have direct authority over all aspects of making their products successful. This includes user and data research, design and development, marketing, sales, and support.

Core competencies are essential for any product manager. These include conducting customer interviews and user testing, as well as performing market assessments. These skills are developed over time and are crucial for defining, shipping, and iterating on products. Additionally, defining and tracking success metrics is another important competency for a product manager.

Emotional intelligence is a key trait of a great product manager. It goes beyond knowing the do's and don'ts of a customer interview. The best product managers have the ability to empathize with customers, understand their body language and emotions, and identify pain points that the product or feature can address. Relationship management is also crucial for a product manager. Building authentic and trustworthy connections with internal and external stakeholders helps inspire and bring out the best in people. Self-awareness and self-management are important qualities for a product manager to remain objective and avoid projecting their own preferences onto users.

Social awareness is another aspect of emotional intelligence for a product manager. It involves understanding and empathizing with customers' emotions and concerns, as well as the concerns of other teams such as sales, support, and engineering. This understanding helps in creating a well-rounded product that meets the needs and expectations of all stakeholders.

Company fit is essential for a product manager's success. Different companies have different expectations and requirements for product managers. Technical skills may vary depending on the type of product, target users, and company culture. The company's philosophy about product development and the role of product managers also plays a significant role. Some companies follow a "throw it over the wall" approach where product managers gather requirements and hand them off to engineering, while others have a strong partnership between product managers and engineers.

The stage of the company also determines the role and responsibilities of a product manager. In a startup, product managers may be responsible for various tasks beyond product development, such as pricing, marketing, support, and even sales. They thrive in an ambiguous and dynamic environment. In a mature company, product managers may have a narrower scope and work as part of a larger team of product managers.

Lastly, the relationship between the founder/CTO/CEO and the product manager is crucial, especially in early-stage companies. If the founder or CEO is heavily involved in the product process, the product manager may play a support role, fleshing out ideas or validating concepts with customers.

In conclusion, becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and finding the right company fit. It is important to develop skills such as conducting customer interviews, tracking success metrics, and empathizing with customers. Understanding the company's expectations and philosophy about product management is also crucial. Here are three actionable advice for aspiring product managers:

1. Hone your core competencies: Continuously work on improving your skills in customer interviews, user testing, market assessments, and defining success metrics. These are the foundational skills for a product manager.

2. Develop your emotional intelligence: Focus on building empathy, relationship management, self-awareness, and self-management. These qualities will help you understand and address the needs and concerns of customers and stakeholders.

3. Find the right company fit: Research and evaluate potential companies based on their technical requirements, product development philosophy, and the stage of the company. Look for a company where your skills and personality traits align with their expectations and culture.

By considering these factors and taking actionable steps, aspiring product managers can enhance their chances of becoming great product managers. Remember, it's not just about having the right skills, but also finding the right fit for your skills and personality in a company.