The Power of Obvious Advice in Product Management and Beyond

The Power of Obvious Advice in Product Management and Beyond

Introduction:
In the world of product management, there are certain qualities and practices that distinguish good product managers from bad ones. Similarly, when seeking advice or knowledge, we often overlook the obvious and search for something counterintuitive or groundbreaking. However, it is important to recognize the value of obvious advice and the role it plays in our decision-making processes. This article combines insights from "Good Product Manager/Bad Product Manager" by Andreessen Horowitz and "Good Advice is "Obvious"" by Scott H Young to explore the power of obvious advice in product management and beyond.

The CEO of the Product:
A good product manager is often referred to as the CEO of the product. They possess a deep understanding of the market, the product, the product line, and the competition. They operate from a position of knowledge and confidence, taking responsibility for devising and executing a winning plan. This requires them to have a strong grasp of the company's context, including revenue, funding, and competition. By embodying the role of a CEO, good product managers ensure that the product team remains focused on delivering the right product at the right time.

Defining "What" and Orchestrating Delivery:
One crucial aspect of being a good product manager is the ability to define the target or the "what" rather than getting caught up in the "how." Good product managers crisply define the objectives and manage the delivery of those objectives. They avoid becoming entangled in the minutiae of project management or acting as gophers for engineering. Instead, they effectively orchestrate the various organizations involved in the product's development to ensure seamless collaboration and timely delivery.

Effective Communication and Strategic Thinking:
Communication is a vital skill for product managers, and good product managers excel in written communication. They create leverageable collateral such as FAQs, presentations, and white papers, which not only help the team but also serve as valuable resources for other stakeholders. In contrast, bad product managers may find themselves drowning in answering questions or voicing their opinions verbally without taking the initiative to document their thoughts. Good product managers also think strategically, considering the story they want written by the press. By envisioning the narrative surrounding their product, they can align the team's efforts towards revenue generation and customer satisfaction.

The Value of Obvious Advice:
In a world that often seeks counterintuitive advice, it is essential to recognize the value of obvious advice. As Scott H Young points out, good advice is often "obvious" because it aligns with our intuitions. However, our intuitions can be fuzzy, leading us to overlook the apparent solutions to our problems. By embracing the obvious, we can gain clarity and make better decisions. This applies not only to product management but to various aspects of life as well.

Taking Actionable Steps:
To fully leverage the power of obvious advice, here are three actionable steps to consider:

1. Embrace the basics: Just as good product managers focus on the fundamentals of their market, product, and competition, we should also prioritize the basics in our decision-making processes. Don't overlook the obvious solutions and strategies that can lead to success.

2. Document and share your insights: Following the example of good product managers, take the time to document your thoughts, insights, and opinions in a written format. This not only helps clarify your thinking but also enables effective communication and collaboration with others.

3. Think strategically in all areas of life: Beyond product management, adopt a strategic mindset in all aspects of your life. Consider the narratives you want to create and the outcomes you desire. By thinking strategically, you can align your actions towards achieving your goals.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, good product managers understand the power of obvious advice and prioritize the basics in their decision-making processes. They take on the role of the CEO of the product, define the "what" rather than getting caught up in the "how," and effectively communicate their vision and insights. By embracing obvious advice and taking actionable steps, we can all become more effective in our respective roles and pursuits. So, let us remember that sometimes, the most impactful solutions are right in front of us, waiting to be recognized and implemented.