He believes that great leaders inspire action by starting with the "why." In his TED Talk, Sinek explains that most companies and individuals communicate from the outside in, starting with the "what" and ending with the "why." However, he argues that truly inspiring leaders communicate from the inside out, starting with the "why" and ending with the "what." By focusing on the why, leaders are able to tap into the emotional and rational parts of the brain, connecting with their audience on a deeper level.

He believes that great leaders inspire action by starting with the "why." In his TED Talk, Sinek explains that most companies and individuals communicate from the outside in, starting with the "what" and ending with the "why." However, he argues that truly inspiring leaders communicate from the inside out, starting with the "why" and ending with the "what." By focusing on the why, leaders are able to tap into the emotional and rational parts of the brain, connecting with their audience on a deeper level.

This concept of starting with the why can also be applied to product management. When developing a new product, it's important to understand the why behind it. Why does this product need to exist? What problem is it solving for our users? Understanding the why not only helps to guide the product development process, but it also helps to inspire and motivate the product team.

In order to create great products, product managers must also be able to unlearn what they think they know about product management. This is a concept emphasized by the Silicon Valley Product Group. They believe that in order to truly excel in product management, one must be open to learning and unlearning. This means letting go of preconceived notions and being willing to explore new ideas and approaches.

One of the key responsibilities of a product manager is to ensure that what gets built is both valuable and viable. This involves conducting product discovery, which is the process of understanding customer needs and finding a solution that is valuable, usable, feasible, and viable. Product discovery is crucial in order to create products that customers love and that also work for the business.

It's important for product managers to understand the difference between feature teams and product teams. While feature teams focus on delivering output, product teams focus on delivering outcomes. Product managers need to have a holistic view of the product and be able to prioritize and make decisions that align with the overall goals and vision.

Becoming a great product manager takes time and experience. It usually takes about three months of real work for a new product manager to reach a basic level of competence. However, having a strong foundation and an experienced manager to coach and guide you can significantly speed up the learning process.

Aside from understanding the fundamentals of product management, it's also crucial for product managers to develop a true understanding and appreciation for the role of design and engineering in technology-powered products. Design and engineering are integral parts of the product development process, and having a deep understanding of their roles can help product managers effectively collaborate and communicate with these teams.

In conclusion, great product management starts with understanding the why behind the product. By tapping into the emotional and rational aspects of the human brain, leaders can inspire action and create products that solve real problems for users and customers. Unlearning and relearning are also essential for product managers to excel in their roles. Conducting product discovery, understanding the difference between feature teams and product teams, and developing a strong foundation in design and engineering are all key aspects of becoming a great product manager.

Actionable advice:

1. Start with the why: Before diving into product development, take the time to understand the why behind the product. What problem is it solving? Why does it need to exist? This will guide your decision-making process and help you create a product that resonates with users.
2. Embrace continuous learning: Product management is a constantly evolving field. Be open to unlearning what you think you know and embrace new ideas and approaches. Stay curious and seek out opportunities for growth and development.
3. Foster collaboration: Build strong relationships with design and engineering teams. Understand the roles and responsibilities of each team and foster a collaborative environment where everyone can contribute their expertise. This will lead to better products and a more cohesive product development process.

By incorporating these principles and taking actionable steps, product managers can elevate their skills and contribute to the creation of truly great products.