The Journey of a Product Manager: Balancing Growth, Skills, and Perspectives

The Journey of a Product Manager: Balancing Growth, Skills, and Perspectives

Introduction:
Being a product manager (PdM) is not an easy task. It requires a combination of skills, dedication, and the ability to make tough decisions. In this article, we will explore the lessons from the book "プロダクトマネージャー1年目の教科書" by 奥原拓也 / クラシルPdM and the concept of Aavegotchi - DeFi-Staked Crypto Collectibles to understand the common points and insights that can help PdMs in their journey.

The Growth Mindset:
Growth, in the context of a PdM, is about expanding your knowledge and skills to become a more effective contributor. It is akin to increasing the surface area of an iceberg, allowing for greater productivity and success. The book emphasizes that as a PdM, you must be ready to do whatever it takes to help your product grow, even if it means making sacrifices along the way.

Skills and Specializations:
To excel as a PdM, it is crucial to have a deep understanding of various skills and domains. The book suggests that engaging in conversations with specialists in different fields is essential. By having both a long-term and short-term perspective, as well as the ability to weigh the pros and cons of different choices, you can make informed decisions that benefit the company as a whole. While becoming an expert in a single field may be challenging, possessing above-average skills in 2-3 areas can make you a highly sought-after professional.

The Importance of Aesthetic Sense:
In addition to technical skills, the book highlights the significance of having an aesthetic sense as a PdM. It encourages using not only rationality but also subjective judgments of "pleasure" and "displeasure" as decision-making criteria. By developing a clear set of standards for judgment, you can make more decisive choices and drive the product towards success.

Continuous Learning:
The role of a PdM requires a constant thirst for knowledge. You must always be open to new ideas and be willing to learn and adapt. This aligns with the concept of Aavegotchi, which represents digital frens for the crypto generation. Just as Aavegotchis are constantly evolving and improving, PdMs should strive to enhance their skills and stay updated with the latest trends and technologies.

Gaining a Broad Perspective:
Having a high vantage point is crucial for PdMs. It means looking at the product, the organization, and society as a whole, and understanding how they are interconnected. By perceiving these elements as a system, you can make more informed decisions that align with the bigger picture.

Building a Winning Habit:
Lastly, the book emphasizes the importance of developing a winning habit. Just like Aavegotchis, which are designed to be collectibles with built-in value, PdMs should strive to create a habit of success. This involves consistently making decisions and taking actions that contribute to the growth and success of the product.

Actionable Advice:

1. Foster a growth mindset: Embrace challenges, seek feedback, and continuously improve your skills to become a valuable asset to your product.
2. Diversify your skills: Instead of focusing on becoming an expert in a single area, aim to develop above-average skills in multiple domains to increase your professional worth.
3. Cultivate an aesthetic sense: Incorporate subjective judgments alongside rationality in decision-making to create products that resonate with users.

Conclusion:
Being a product manager is a challenging yet rewarding role. By combining the insights from "プロダクトマネージャー1年目の教科書" and the concept of Aavegotchi, PdMs can gain valuable perspectives on growth, skills, and decision-making. By adopting a growth mindset, diversifying their skills, and cultivating an aesthetic sense, PdMs can navigate the complex landscape of product management and drive the success of their products. So, embrace the journey, learn continuously, and make a habit of winning.