The Intersection of Shipping, Decision Making, and Embracing Your Inner Child: A Guide to Building Meaningful Products

The Intersection of Shipping, Decision Making, and Embracing Your Inner Child: A Guide to Building Meaningful Products

Introduction:
In the fast-paced world of product development, the concept of "shipping" stands out as a crucial aspect. Customers value products that "just work" and deliver what they promise. However, achieving this seamless experience is easier said than done. This article explores the guiding principles for those who build products, emphasizing the importance of shipping, decision-making, and embracing your inner child to create meaningful and fulfilling work.

Shipping is a Feature:
As product managers, we understand that shipping is not just a task but a feature in itself. It is the hardest thing to get right, yet it is also the most critical aspect of product development. The version of a product that comes to market often undergoes changes from its initial conception. Therefore, the key is to ship, learn, gather data, and iterate. Whether it takes three years or three months to develop a product, this motion remains the same. Making decisions is at the core of a product manager's role. To be great, one must have a clear point of view and decide whether to include a feature or not. This may be challenging, but it is essential to bring a focused worldview to the product.

The Art of Decision Making:
Collaboration is a fundamental aspect of product development, requiring the involvement of multiple stakeholders. However, reaching a consensus may not always be possible. It is crucial to remember that not everyone will agree, and that is okay. As technologists, we tend to believe in right and wrong answers, but the reality is more nuanced. Context plays a significant role in decision making. When faced with complex choices involving diverse customer needs, finding middle paths becomes essential. Splitting the baby, as the biblical narrative suggests, may lead to compromises that leave no one truly satisfied in the long run. Balancing the interests of the team, customers, and business is a challenge that requires careful consideration.

Avoiding Sub-Optimal Tweaks:
After shipping a product, the natural inclination is to make incremental improvements. However, caution must be exercised before diving into further code modifications. Incremental improvements may seem beneficial in theory, but in practice, they can create speed bumps in the user experience. Context is vital here as well. The skills and experience of the team, the business's current state, and the ability to execute proposals are all factors that influence decision making. Reflecting on past decisions and evaluating their impact is crucial for making informed choices in subsequent iterations.

Embrace Your Inner Child:
While the previous section focused on decision making from a product manager's perspective, it is equally important to consider personal fulfillment and purpose. Life is short, and it's essential to spend our limited time on activities that bring us joy and fulfillment. The concept of quitting a 9-to-5 job and pursuing one's passion resonates with many. Money is not the most important asset; time is. Instead of sacrificing precious time for the pursuit of conventional success, it is vital to pay attention to our inner child. Our inner child holds the key to our true desires and passions. By listening to that inner voice and pursuing meaningful work, we can create a lasting impact on the world.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace uncertainty and ship your product. Learn from real customers and iterate based on their feedback. The journey is as important as the destination.
2. Foster a collaborative environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected. Aim for consensus, but be prepared to make tough decisions when necessary.
3. Prioritize your own fulfillment and purpose. Listen to your inner child and identify the activities that truly bring you joy. Don't be afraid to make bold career choices if they align with your passions.

Conclusion:
In the world of product development, shipping is a critical feature that drives success. However, making decisions and finding middle paths amidst diverse perspectives can be challenging. Simultaneously, embracing our inner child and finding fulfillment in our work is crucial for personal and professional growth. By combining these principles, we can build meaningful products that not only meet customer needs but also bring us joy and satisfaction in our journey as builders.