The Role of Product Managers in Success

The Role of Product Managers in Success

Product managers play a crucial role in the success of a product. However, there are different approaches to product management, and not all of them lead to success. One common approach is for product managers to escalate every issue and decision up to the CEO. In this model, the product manager becomes more of a backlog administrator than a strategic thinker. Many CEOs have admitted that this model is not effective.

Another approach is design by committee, where the product manager calls a meeting with all stakeholders and lets them fight it out. However, this often leads to mediocrity as the team struggles to reach a consensus. It's important to remember that users choose their devices and platforms because they value what's different, not the same. Therefore, it's better to wait a little longer and deliver a platform-specific solution that users will truly value.

Netflix provides an example of a product challenge that required innovative thinking. The team wanted to provide a blend of expensive and less expensive titles to cater to different customer preferences. This led to the development of the queue, ratings system, and recommendation engine. The product manager had to work across the entire company to find both product and business solutions that would work.

In another example, a product manager at a large and successful company had to drive a dramatic change in the business model. The company needed to move from a desktop-centric, annual upgrade model to a subscription-based model that supported all devices. The product manager had to address the concerns and resistance from both customers and internal stakeholders. Clear communication and a compelling vision were key to driving the necessary changes.

The Role of Procrastination in Productivity

Procrastination is often seen as a negative trait, but there are different types of procrastination. The most impressive people are often terrible procrastinators, but they engage in what can be considered good procrastination. This involves putting off small tasks to work on more important ones.

When startups are in their early stages, they are often the most productive because there are no interruptions. The founders can focus on the most important problems and work on them without distraction. It's important to identify the most important problems in your field and prioritize working on them. Avoid getting caught up in less important tasks that won't have a significant impact.

Fear of wasting time can prevent people from working on big projects. However, it's important to approach big problems in an oblique manner. You need to find the right balance between facing the problem directly enough to feel the excitement and not becoming paralyzed by its magnitude. Trick yourself into working on big things by starting with small tasks that have the potential to grow into something significant.

To overcome procrastination, let delight guide your actions instead of relying solely on to-do lists. Work on ambitious projects that you genuinely enjoy and sail as close to the wind as possible. Leave the less important tasks undone and focus on what truly matters.

Conclusion: Actionable Advice

1. Prioritize: Identify the most important problems in your field and focus your efforts on solving them. Don't get caught up in small tasks that won't have a significant impact.

2. Embrace Change: Don't be afraid to drive dramatic changes in your company or industry. Clear communication, a compelling vision, and persistence are key to overcoming resistance.

3. Find Delight in Your Work: Let delight guide your actions instead of relying solely on to-do lists. Work on ambitious projects that you enjoy and leave the less important tasks undone.

By incorporating these actions into your product management approach and embracing good procrastination, you can increase your chances of success and make a significant impact in your field. Remember, great product managers are like CEOs, deeply understanding all aspects of the business and leading with smart, creative, and persistent approaches.