What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Obvious Advice You Shouldn't Overlook

What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Obvious Advice You Shouldn't Overlook

Being a great product manager (PM) is not an easy task. PMs are not the CEOs of the product, but their roles vary widely depending on various factors. So, what does it take to become a great PM? Let's explore three primary factors that aspiring PMs should consider when evaluating a role: core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit.

First and foremost, core competencies are crucial for a PM's success. The best PMs have a deep understanding of the product development process and possess the technical skills necessary to guide the team. They are well-versed in market research, competitive analysis, and have a strong understanding of user needs. These PMs create products with strong user adoption, leading to exponential revenue growth and, in some cases, even disrupting an entire industry.

In addition to core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a vital role in a PM's effectiveness. The best PMs have the ability to empathize with customers. During interviews, they are tuned into customers' body language and emotions, allowing them to astutely identify pain points that the product or feature can address. By forming authentic and trustworthy connections with both internal and external stakeholders, these PMs inspire people and help them reach their full potential.

Furthermore, company fit is a crucial aspect to consider for aspiring PMs. PMs must have a deep understanding of how the organization operates and build social capital to influence the success of their product. This includes obtaining budget and staffing, as well as securing top engineers to work on their product. A great PM knows how to push hard on the right priorities, with urgency but without conveying a sense of panic or stress.

Now that we've covered the primary factors to consider, let's delve into some actionable advice that aspiring PMs can implement to enhance their skills and excel in their roles.

1. Develop self-awareness: PMs must remain objective and avoid projecting their own preferences onto users of their products. By being self-aware, PMs can gather unbiased feedback and make data-driven decisions. This can be achieved through seeking feedback from colleagues, conducting user testing, and continuously reflecting on their own biases.

2. Prioritize effectively: Time management is crucial for PMs, as they often juggle multiple projects and deadlines. The best PMs know how to prioritize tasks based on their impact on the overall product and company goals. By focusing on the right priorities, PMs can ensure that their efforts yield the maximum value for the product and the organization.

3. Build strong relationships: PMs cannot work in isolation. Building authentic and trustworthy connections with both internal and external stakeholders is essential for success. PMs must actively engage with cross-functional teams, such as engineering, design, marketing, and support, to ensure smooth collaboration and alignment. By nurturing these relationships, PMs can gather valuable insights, advocate for their product, and secure the necessary resources for its success.

In conclusion, becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and company fit. By continuously developing these skills and implementing actionable advice, aspiring PMs can enhance their effectiveness and contribute to the success of their products and organizations. Remember, good advice may seem obvious, but it is often the foundation for achieving greatness. So, embrace the obvious and use it as a springboard to excel in your role as a product manager.