The Role of Product Managers as Curators: Connecting Knowledge and Meaning

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Sep 26, 2023
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The Role of Product Managers as Curators: Connecting Knowledge and Meaning
In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, the role of a product manager has become more crucial than ever. A good product manager is often referred to as the CEO of the product, responsible for ensuring its success in the market. But what does it take to be a good product manager? And how does this role connect with the concept of curating?
To understand the common points between these two seemingly unrelated fields, it is important to delve into the qualities and responsibilities of a good product manager. According to Andreessen Horowitz, a good product manager is someone who possesses a deep understanding of the market, the product, the product line, and the competition. They operate from a position of knowledge and confidence, which allows them to make informed decisions and devise winning strategies.
Similarly, a curator is also someone who possesses a deep understanding of their field. They take care of a collection, selecting and organizing items that hold meaning and significance. The term "curate" has gained popularity in recent years, reflecting a generation's desire for authority, authorship, and meaning. Just as a product manager takes care of a product, a curator takes care of a collection.
Both product managers and curators are responsible for orchestrating various organizations and stakeholders. A good product manager understands the importance of collaboration and knows how to bring together different teams to deliver the right product at the right time. They don't get caught up in the minutiae of project management or become gophers for engineering. Instead, they manage the product team and focus on defining the "what" rather than the "how."
Similarly, a curator acts as a catalyst, generator, and motivator. They collaborate with artists to build a show, acting as a bridge builder between the artist and the public. They curate exhibitions that reflect their ideology and position, creating a signature style that sets them apart. Both product managers and curators have the power to shape and influence the final outcome, whether it's a product launch or an art exhibition.
Communication is another critical aspect of both roles. A good product manager knows how to communicate effectively, both internally and externally. They create collateral, presentations, and white papers to convey their vision and strategy. They take written positions on important issues and encourage written communication within the team. Similarly, curators communicate through their exhibitions, providing a narrative and context to the artworks they have selected.
Furthermore, both product managers and curators are focused on the end result. A good product manager keeps the team's focus on revenue and customers, ensuring that the product meets the needs and expectations of the target market. Likewise, a curator aims to create a meaningful experience for the audience, selecting artworks that resonate and provoke thought. Both roles require a deep understanding of the audience or customers and a commitment to delivering value.
So, how can these common points between product management and curating be utilized in a practical sense? Here are three actionable pieces of advice for product managers:
- 1. Embrace curiosity and knowledge: Like a curator, be curious and strive to know and connect what you know. Stay informed about the market, competition, and industry trends. This knowledge will provide a strong foundation for making informed decisions and devising winning strategies.
- 2. Build meaningful narratives: Just as a curator creates a narrative through their exhibitions, think about the story you want to be written about your product. What is the message you want to convey? How can you create a meaningful experience for your customers? By focusing on creating a narrative, you can differentiate your product and leave a lasting impression.
- 3. Foster collaboration and communication: Both product managers and curators rely on collaboration and effective communication. Encourage written communication within your team, create leveragable collateral, and take written positions on important issues. By fostering a culture of collaboration and communication, you can ensure that everyone is aligned and working towards a common goal.
In conclusion, the role of a product manager and a curator may seem distinct at first glance, but they share common qualities and responsibilities. Both roles require deep knowledge, the ability to orchestrate various organizations, effective communication skills, and a focus on delivering value. By embracing these commonalities and applying them in a practical sense, product managers can elevate their role and drive the success of their products.
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