Unlearning and Learning: The Essence of Product Management and Reading Books

Unlearning and Learning: The Essence of Product Management and Reading Books

In the world of product management, there is a constant battle between unlearning what we think we know and embracing new ways of doing things. It is only through this process that we can truly understand how strong product managers operate and create great products.

So, where do great products come from? They come from solving real problems for our users and customers in ways that they love, while also aligning with our business objectives. However, there are four big risks that every product effort faces, and as a product manager, it is your responsibility to understand and address them.

Two of these risks fall under the explicit responsibility of the product manager - ensuring that what gets built is valuable and viable. This means that you need to engage in product discovery and understand the importance of creating a solution that is valuable, usable, feasible, and viable. It is not just about delivering features, but about delivering outcomes.

But how do you become a great product manager? It takes time and effort. On average, it takes about three months of real work to reach a basic level of competence as a new product manager. This is assuming that you have a strong foundation and an experienced manager guiding and coaching you on a weekly basis.

Now, let's shift gears and talk about reading books. There is a common question that often arises - if a book can be summarized, is it worth reading? The answer lies in the value that the book provides beyond its summary. If a book's contents can be adequately summarized and you don't miss anything by reading the summary, then it is not truly a book worth reading.

In fact, the harder it is to summarize a book you have read, the more valuable it might be. As you read and digest more books, you start to connect the dots and find connections and patterns. It is through this process that you gain deeper insights and understanding.

Take, for example, a book proposal. It is essentially a summary of a book that doesn't exist yet. It serves as the marketing copy before the product is born. By condensing the essence of a book into a proposal, it allows potential readers to grasp the concept and decide if they want to explore the full depth of the content.

Similarly, works of art cannot be fully understood or appreciated by simply extracting one element and putting it under the spotlight. The overall meaning and impact of the artwork can only be realized when we take into account the implicit messages and the context in which it exists.

In conclusion, both product management and reading books require a willingness to unlearn, learn, and make connections. To excel in product management, do your homework, develop an understanding of design and engineering, and embrace the iterative process of product discovery. When it comes to reading books, remember that their value lies in the depth and complexity they offer, beyond what can be summarized. So, immerse yourself in books that challenge your thinking and broaden your perspectives.

Actionable advice:

1. Embrace the process of unlearning and relearning in product management. Challenge your assumptions and seek out new perspectives.
2. Engage in continuous learning by reading books that are complex and challenging to summarize. Expand your knowledge and connect the dots between different ideas.
3. Cultivate a mindset of curiosity and exploration. Look for connections and patterns in both your professional and personal life. This will enhance your problem-solving skills and drive innovation.

Remember, the journey of unlearning and learning never ends. It is through this process that we grow and evolve as product managers and individuals. So, embrace the unknown, seek out new knowledge, and let curiosity guide you on your path to success.