A comprehensive survey of Product Management reveals the most frequently valued skills in this field: communication, execution, and product sense. On the other hand, design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are the least frequently valued skills. This survey also highlights that PMs have more influence than other functions in around 70% of companies, with some exceptions such as Zynga where PMs run the show, and Apple where PMs have the least influence.

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Hatched by Glasp

Sep 12, 2023

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A comprehensive survey of Product Management reveals the most frequently valued skills in this field: communication, execution, and product sense. On the other hand, design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are the least frequently valued skills. This survey also highlights that PMs have more influence than other functions in around 70% of companies, with some exceptions such as Zynga where PMs run the show, and Apple where PMs have the least influence.

Shifting our focus to a broader perspective, we delve into the topic of AI and the burden of knowledge. Progress is intricately tied to the accumulation of knowledge that humans have passed down from generation to generation. Through this process, we build upon the wisdom of prior ages, enabling us to innovate and "see further." However, this also creates a burden of knowledge. As the frontier of knowledge expands, reaching it takes successive generations longer. Economist Benjamin Jones refers to this as the burden of knowledge.

This burden raises profound questions about the future. What will happen when artificial intelligence no longer needs us? How do we resolve the impending gap between humans and AI? Knowledge is like a mountain that we are trying to tunnel through. Humans, equipped with larger, higher-performance brains, are driven by the desire for progress. Animals, on the other hand, make essentially no progress against the mountain of knowledge, as they learn the same biological lessons over and over again.

Over time, humanity's tunnel through the mountain of knowledge has grown longer, presenting a problem. In the past, a highly intelligent individual could contribute to society in their twenties. However, as knowledge has grown, it takes more time to reach the cutting edge. Additionally, human lifespan limitations further impede innovation potential. According to Benjamin Jones, the burden of knowledge has led to a 30% decline in life-cyclical innovation potential.

The concept of the Eternal Encephalon, a brain-computer interface, comes into play. As humans face deficiencies compared to a future-stage Eternal Encephalon, such technology aims to resolve these deficiencies and unleash new brilliance. However, it also raises ethical concerns. Should we blindly implement the recommendations of an AI system without understanding the logic behind each decision?

Maintaining human primacy as the most knowledgeable species is a challenging task. Philosopher Thomas Nagel argues that grasping another conscious animal's sense of being is fundamentally impossible. As humans, we must consider our limitations and explore avenues that allow us to adapt and evolve alongside AI. Neuralink and similar brain-computer interface makers offer a potential solution by reducing lag and enhancing our capabilities.

In conclusion, the fields of Product Management and AI intersect at the core of human progress. While PMs possess valuable skills and hold influence in many companies, the burden of knowledge poses challenges for future generations. However, by embracing technological advancements like brain-computer interfaces, we can bridge the gap and continue to thrive. To navigate this changing landscape effectively, here are three actionable pieces of advice:

  1. Emphasize the development of communication, execution, and product sense skills in Product Management to remain valuable in the field.
  2. Stay informed about the advancements in AI and brain-computer interfaces, and consider how they can augment your abilities and contribute to innovation.
  3. Foster a culture of continuous learning and adaptation to keep up with the expanding frontier of knowledge and ensure your relevance in an evolving world.

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