A comprehensive survey of Product Management reveals some interesting insights about the role. The survey highlights the most frequently valued skills for PMs, which include communication, execution, and product sense. These skills are seen as crucial for PMs to succeed in their roles and drive the success of their products.

Kazuki Nakayashiki

Hatched by Kazuki Nakayashiki

Sep 15, 2023

3 min read

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A comprehensive survey of Product Management reveals some interesting insights about the role. The survey highlights the most frequently valued skills for PMs, which include communication, execution, and product sense. These skills are seen as crucial for PMs to succeed in their roles and drive the success of their products.

Interestingly, the survey also reveals that certain skills are less frequently valued in the field of Product Management. Design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are seen as less important compared to other skills. This suggests that while these skills may still be valuable to some extent, they are not as high in demand as the previously mentioned skills.

Another intriguing finding from the survey is the varying influence of PMs in different companies. It is observed that PMs have more influence than other functions at only 70% of the companies surveyed. This is in contrast to the 80% or more influence seen in some organizations. The wide spectrum of influence suggests that the role of a PM can greatly differ depending on the company and its specific dynamics. For example, at Zynga, PMs have significant control and authority, while at Apple, PMs have the least influence.

In a related article titled "Pmarchive - The only thing that matters," the focus shifts to the concept of product/market fit. The author emphasizes the importance of doing whatever it takes to achieve this fit, even if it means making drastic changes such as changing team members, rewriting the product, or entering a different market. The article suggests that when a startup has a great market, upgrading the team becomes relatively easy. The caliber of a startup team is defined by the suitability of the CEO, senior staff, engineers, and other key members in relation to the opportunity at hand.

Furthermore, the article defines the quality of a startup's product as its impressiveness to a customer or user who actually uses it. This highlights the importance of delivering a product that meets the needs and expectations of the target audience. Additionally, the size and growth rate of the market are crucial factors in determining the success of a startup. The article emphasizes that a great market will naturally pull the product out of the startup, while a lack of market can be a company-killer.

The author also explores the perspective of entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and engineers on the importance of team, product, and market. While some may argue that the team is the most important aspect, others believe that the product holds the key to success. Ultimately, the article concludes that in a great market, the market itself becomes the driving force for the success of the product.

Based on the insights gathered from these sources, here are three actionable advice for Product Managers:

  1. Focus on developing strong communication and execution skills. These are valued as the most important skills for PMs and play a critical role in driving the success of products.

  2. Prioritize achieving product/market fit. This involves being willing to make necessary changes, whether it's changing team members, refining the product, or exploring new markets. Adaptability and a strong understanding of the market are crucial in achieving this fit.

  3. Pay attention to the influence of PMs within your organization. Understanding the level of influence PMs have can help you navigate your role more effectively and advocate for your ideas and initiatives.

In conclusion, Product Management is a multifaceted role that requires a combination of skills and a deep understanding of the market. Communication, execution, and product sense are highly valued skills for PMs, while design/UX, empathy, and raw intelligence are seen as less frequently valued. The influence of PMs can vary widely depending on the organization. Ultimately, achieving product/market fit is the primary objective for PMs, and this requires a willingness to adapt and make necessary changes. By focusing on these key aspects, Product Managers can position themselves for success in their roles.

Sources

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