The Importance of Reading and Becoming a Great Product Manager

The Importance of Reading and Becoming a Great Product Manager

Introduction:

Reading is often seen as a luxury or a time-consuming activity that many people claim to not have time for. However, it is essential to recognize that reading is not just a luxury but a necessity. In fact, reading can change your life and provide you with valuable knowledge and insights. This article will explore the importance of reading and what it takes to become a great product manager.

The Power of Reading:

Reading is not about splurging on books or worrying about the price. It is about investing in yourself and gaining life-changing ideas. Even if you only get one valuable idea from a book, it is worth the investment. As Seneca wisely said, we should seek out teachings and sayings that have immediate practical application. This is why it is crucial to keep a commonplace book, where you can record and revisit these valuable teachings.

Furthermore, classics are called classics for a reason. They have stood the test of time and hold timeless wisdom. By reading books and exploring their footnotes and bibliographies, you can build a knowledge base in a subject. This allows you to trace a subject back to its core and gain a deeper understanding.

Re-reading books is also a worthwhile practice. Although the books themselves do not change, you do. Each time you revisit a book, you bring new experiences and perspectives, which can lead to new insights and understandings. It is a way to continuously grow and deepen your understanding of the material.

Additionally, it is essential to know when to stop reading a book. The best readers are not afraid to quit a book if it does not captivate them. Life is too short to waste time on books that you do not enjoy reading. A general rule of thumb is the "one hundred pages minus your age" rule. If a book has not captivated you by page 70, it may be time to put it down.

The Role of a Great Product Manager:

Becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit. Core competencies include conducting customer interviews, performing user testing, and conducting market assessments. These skills are essential for any product manager and are honed over years of experience.

Emotional intelligence is another crucial aspect of being a successful product manager. It is not just about knowing the dos and don'ts of a customer interview; it is about empathizing with customers, understanding their pain points, and building authentic connections. Relationship management, self-awareness, and self-management are all vital components of emotional intelligence in the product management role.

Company fit is also a significant factor in determining success as a product manager. Different companies have different expectations and philosophies when it comes to product management. Some companies may require more technical skills, while others may prioritize a collaborative approach between product managers and engineers. Understanding the company's philosophy and aligning with its values is crucial for success.

Actionable Advice:

1. Invest in reading: Make reading a priority in your life. Set aside dedicated time for reading and make it a habit. Start with books that interest you and explore different genres and subjects to broaden your knowledge.

2. Develop core competencies: Continuously work on developing core competencies such as customer interviews, user testing, and market assessments. Seek opportunities to practice and improve these skills.

3. Find the right company fit: Do thorough research on the company and its product management philosophy before pursuing a role. Ensure that your values align with the company's values and that you can thrive in their environment.

Conclusion:

Reading is not a luxury but a necessity for personal growth and development. By investing in reading and incorporating the wisdom gained from books into our lives, we can become better individuals. Similarly, becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and finding the right company fit. By honing these skills and aligning with the right company, aspiring product managers can excel in their careers. Remember to prioritize reading, develop core competencies, and find the right company fit to succeed as a product manager.