Leading a PM Team Meeting: Navigating Social Influence and the Changing Landscape of Aspiration

Leading a PM Team Meeting: Navigating Social Influence and the Changing Landscape of Aspiration

As our startups grow and evolve, so do the challenges we face as leaders. One particular challenge that arises with the expansion of a team is the need to keep everyone in sync. In a recent issue of a PM team meeting, the question was posed: "Do you have any advice on running a recurring PM team meeting? My startup has recently grown to four PMs and I feel us getting slowly out of sync since so much more is going on now." This question sparked a discussion on the importance of effective communication and collaboration within a team, as well as the role of social influence in shaping our aspirations and behaviors.

In today's society, the social fabric of our communities is fraying. Traditional institutions that once held us together, such as the church, libraries, and local newspapers, are facing demise. This can be attributed to our prioritization of worldly successes over being good people, resulting in a disconnect from our communities and the secondary effects of our choices. However, in the midst of a global health crisis, there is an opportunity to reorganize our communities around new influencers, aspirations, social rituals, and habits.

Social influence plays a significant role in shaping our choices. When faced with an abundance of options, we tend to rely on others to guide us in what to buy, read, wear, or listen to. The rise of social media has given regular people a platform to become authentic influencers, trusted by their followers. This shift towards social commerce emphasizes individual taste and style savviness over brand loyalty. It is no longer about owning the next big thing, but rather about buying into someone's look and lifestyle. Products now make influencers, rather than the other way around.

Curators have also emerged as influential figures in capturing the cultural mood and starting trends. They provide value by connecting mundane objects with a point of view, heritage, subculture, or purpose that makes them stand out in a world of superficiality and newness. A good curator goes beyond simply reposting images, delving into the research, writing, and editing to provide context and history.

Algorithmic personalization has further transformed the landscape of social influence. Brands now have the ability to create their own influencers through repeated successful choices and algorithmically tailored content. This shift has led to a market where individuals equal their own taste profiles, eliminating social status as the influencer market's capital. To stand out in this algorithm-driven world, one must be human, flexible, surprising, and wildly creative.

So, how can we navigate this changing landscape of social influence and apply it to leading a PM team meeting? Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

1. Embrace diversity within your team: With the expansion of your startup and the growing complexity of projects, it is crucial to have a diverse team of PMs who bring different perspectives and areas of expertise. This diversity will not only enhance creativity and problem-solving but also allow for a broader range of influences and aspirations within the team.

2. Foster open communication and collaboration: In order to stay in sync, it is essential to create an environment where team members feel comfortable sharing their ideas, concerns, and insights. Encourage open dialogue during team meetings and establish channels for ongoing communication outside of formal meetings. This will help eliminate any potential misunderstandings or misalignments within the team.

3. Embrace a mix of social influence models: In the ever-changing landscape of social influence, it is important to adapt and experiment with different models. Incorporate elements of authentic influencers, curators, and algorithmic personalization into your team's approach. By embracing a mix of these models, you can leverage the power of social influence to inspire and motivate your team towards shared goals.

In conclusion, leading a PM team meeting requires an understanding of the evolving dynamics of social influence and its impact on our aspirations and behaviors. By embracing diversity, fostering open communication and collaboration, and incorporating a mix of social influence models, you can effectively navigate the challenges of leading a growing team. Remember, the key is to stay in sync with one another and adapt to the changing landscape of aspirations and influences.