The Keys to Successful Product Management: Passion, Logic, and Trust

The Keys to Successful Product Management: Passion, Logic, and Trust

In the world of product management, trial and error is often the name of the game. As one professional, Mr. Takuya Oikawa, explains in the BIT VALLEY 2019 conference, there are three essential qualities that make people follow others: passion, logic, and trust.

Meanwhile, another crucial aspect of product management lies in asking the right questions during user research, interviews, and testing. By formulating these questions effectively, product managers can gain valuable insights that lead to successful product development.

The process of formulating questions begins with defining broader themes. By identifying the main areas of focus, product managers can break down their questions into smaller, more answerable components. It is important not to ask questions that will influence the answer, as unbiased responses are crucial for accurate data collection.

When conducting interviews or user research, it is beneficial to ask about specific moments in the past. This approach allows participants to recall their experiences and provide detailed insights. Additionally, prioritizing open-ended questions encourages participants to share their thoughts and feelings freely, providing deeper insights.

Starting an interview on the right note is vital. Product managers should aim to establish a comfortable atmosphere. Getting into character and adopting a friendly demeanor can help participants feel at ease. Maintaining the right posture and explaining that there are no right or wrong answers further fosters a relaxed environment.

To build rapport, warm-up questions can be an effective tool. Starting with simple, non-intrusive queries helps participants ease into the interview process. However, it is crucial for product managers not to try to sell their product during the interview. The focus should be on gathering unbiased feedback, not promoting the product.

During interviews and user testing, controlling reactions is essential. Product managers need to remain neutral and avoid showing any bias or excitement that may influence the participant's responses. Giving oneself time to listen carefully is equally important. By actively listening, product managers can pick up on subtle cues and gain a deeper understanding of the participants' perspectives.

Paraphrasing what has been heard is a valuable technique. It demonstrates active listening and allows participants to clarify or provide additional information. Answering questions with questions can also be beneficial. By probing further, product managers can encourage participants to dig deeper and provide more detailed insights.

Non-verbal clues should not be overlooked. Observing participants' body language and facial expressions can provide additional context to their responses. These non-verbal clues can offer valuable insights into participants' true thoughts and feelings, complementing the verbal feedback they provide.

In conclusion, successful product management requires a combination of qualities such as passion, logic, and trust. Additionally, asking the right questions during user research, interviews, and testing is crucial for obtaining valuable insights. By formulating questions effectively, establishing a comfortable atmosphere, and actively listening, product managers can gather unbiased feedback that informs successful product development.

Actionable Advice:

1. Prioritize open-ended questions during interviews and user research to encourage participants to share their thoughts and feelings freely.
2. Control your reactions and remain neutral during interviews to avoid influencing participants' responses.
3. Actively listen and give yourself time to process what participants are saying. Paraphrasing what you've heard demonstrates active listening and allows for clarification if needed.