The Intersection of Collective Memory and Great Product Management

The Intersection of Collective Memory and Great Product Management

Introduction:
In a world where the loss of interest can lead to the fading away of a person's memory, it becomes crucial to understand how attention and memory shape our identities and society. Recent research has shown that collective memory follows a mathematical law, shedding light on the patterns of its decay. Additionally, the traits of great product managers align with the principles of shaping collective memory. In this article, we will explore the connection between these two seemingly unrelated concepts and uncover actionable advice that can be applied to both areas.

Understanding Collective Memory:
Collective memory is the shared attention and remembrance of people and events that influence our individual and societal identities. It is through continued and shared attention that we shape our perception of ourselves as part of a group. Moreover, the choice of what to remember and commemorate influences the structures and priorities of society.

The Mathematical Law of Collective Memory:
A recent study analyzed online views of Wikipedia profiles, citations of physics papers and patents, as well as online play counts of songs and film trailers. The analysis revealed that collective memory follows a biexponential function, consisting of two phases. The initial phase is characterized by a steep decline in attention, dominated by the process of communicative memory. This phase relies on direct word-of-mouth transfer of information. The subsequent phase, which sustains cultural memory, exhibits a slower decline in attention, relying on the physical recording of information.

The Connection to Great Product Management:
Surprisingly, there are notable similarities between the traits of great product managers and the principles of collective memory. Both involve shaping perception, driving decisions, and fine-tuning strategies to maximize impact.

Trait 1: Building Consensus and Making Hard Decisions:
Great product managers excel in building consensus among team members. They understand the importance of collaboration and leverage it to drive decisions. However, when necessary, they are not afraid to make hard decisions that may be unpopular. Similarly, collective memory relies on shared attention and agreement on what to remember, but it also requires the ability to prioritize and make tough choices.

Trait 2: Seeking Insights and Understanding Customer Needs:
Great product managers constantly seek insights about customer needs and pain points. They conduct research, experiments, and collaborate with cross-functional partners to gain a deep understanding of their customers. In the context of collective memory, this trait aligns with the importance of capturing and preserving the essence of events and people, ensuring their impact is not forgotten.