What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Science of Forgetting and its Implications for Memory

What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Science of Forgetting and its Implications for Memory

Introduction:

Becoming a great product manager (PM) is no easy feat. PMs play a crucial role in developing and launching successful products, but their responsibilities can vary widely depending on various factors. In order to excel in this role, aspiring PMs need to consider three primary factors: core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit. Additionally, understanding the science of forgetting can provide valuable insights into memory and its implications for our lives. In this article, we will explore what it takes to become a great product manager while delving into the science of forgetting and its impact on our memories.

Core Competencies and Emotional Intelligence (EQ):

The best PMs possess a set of core competencies that enable them to create products with strong user adoption and exponential revenue growth. One crucial skill is the ability to empathize with customers. During interviews, top PMs are tuned into the body language and emotions of customers, allowing them to astutely identify pain points that their 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, emotional intelligence (EQ) plays a vital role in a PM's success. Self-awareness is key, as PMs must remain objective and avoid projecting their own preferences onto users of their products. The best PMs know how to push hard on the right priorities with urgency, without conveying a sense of panic or stress. They also 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.

Company Fit and Startup Challenges:

In addition to core competencies and EQ, aspiring PMs should evaluate the company fit when considering a role. Each organization has its own culture, values, and ways of operating. A great PM understands how to navigate these dynamics and align their goals with the company's vision. They must also be willing to take on additional responsibilities beyond product development, such as pricing, marketing, support, and even sales.

For those entering the world of startups, the challenges faced by PMs can be even greater. Startups require PMs to go beyond the traditional discovery, definition, and shipping phases. PMs in startups may find themselves responsible for various aspects of the product, including pricing, marketing, and support. This requires adaptability, resourcefulness, and the ability to wear multiple hats.

The Science of Forgetting and Memory:

While the focus so far has been on the requirements to become a great product manager, understanding the science of forgetting can provide valuable insights into memory and its implications for our lives. According to cognitive psychology professor Norman Brown, the default state of our brain is forgetting. Our brains go through three interrelated phases for memory: encoding, consolidation, and retrieval.

When we encounter new information, our brains encode it with changes in neurons, creating a physical memory trace known as an engram. However, much of this information is lost unless it is stored during memory consolidation, often occurring during sleep. This consolidation process makes memories more stable and long-term. The hippocampus stores an index of where these cortical memory neurons are for retrieval, similar to how Google search works.

Memory retrieval involves reactivating the memory trace neurons in the hippocampus and cortex. Our memories are centered around our life stories and the events that affected us personally the most. However, the more memories we have, the more difficult it becomes to capture all of them. New memories interfere with older events, making it harder to recall specific details. Additionally, when events are uniform, they are harder to recall, as the memory tends to combine them into one event.

Implications for the Pandemic and the Future:

The science of forgetting has direct implications for how we look back on the COVID-19 pandemic and the future. As a society, many people may not want to hold onto their COVID memories. The future-oriented positivity bias often leads individuals to view the future more positively than the past. Remembering the past is influenced by our current emotions, knowledge, and attitudes.

In order for autobiographical memories to become a part of history, they need to be turned on their heads by significant events. Without cultural artifacts like books, movies, statues, and museums, memories of the COVID-19 pandemic may be consigned to the entropic dustbin of history. It is essential for future generations to preserve and learn from this unprecedented period in our lives.

Actionable Advice:

Before concluding, let's provide three actionable pieces of advice for aspiring product managers:

1. Develop and hone your core competencies: Focus on developing skills such as empathy, communication, and decision-making. These competencies will set you apart as a great PM.

2. Cultivate emotional intelligence: Work on self-awareness and understanding how your emotions can influence your decision-making. Learn to read and empathize with others, building strong relationships and inspiring your team.

3. Embrace continuous learning: The field of product management is constantly evolving. Stay updated with industry trends, attend workshops and conferences, and seek out opportunities for growth. Continuous learning will keep you at the forefront of the field.

Conclusion:

Becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and company fit. The ability to empathize with customers, build authentic connections, and navigate organizational dynamics are crucial skills for success. Additionally, understanding the science of forgetting provides valuable insights into memory and its implications for our lives. By incorporating actionable advice and continuously learning, aspiring PMs can pave the way for a rewarding career in product management.