What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Ten-Book Rule for Smarter Thinking

What It Takes to Become a Great Product Manager: The Ten-Book Rule for Smarter Thinking

Becoming a great product manager is no easy task. It requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence (EQ), and company fit. The role of a product manager can vary widely depending on various factors, and it is important for aspiring PMs to consider these factors when evaluating a role.

One of the primary factors that aspiring product managers should consider is their core competencies. The best PMs have a deep understanding of their product and industry, and they possess the skills necessary to create products with strong user adoption and exponential revenue growth. They have the ability to empathize with customers and understand their pain points, allowing them to develop products or features that address these needs effectively.

Emotional intelligence is another crucial factor in becoming a great product manager. PMs must be able to form authentic and trustworthy connections with both internal and external stakeholders. By understanding the emotions and body language of their customers, the best PMs can astutely identify pain points and make informed decisions. They inspire people and help them reach their full potential, creating a positive and productive work environment.

Self-awareness is also key for product managers. They must remain objective and avoid projecting their own preferences onto users of their products. The best PMs know how to prioritize effectively without conveying a sense of panic or stress. They have a deep understanding of how their 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.

In addition to these factors, product managers in startup environments may also have additional responsibilities beyond discovery, definition, and shipping. They may be responsible for pricing, marketing, support, and potentially even sales of the product. This requires a versatile skill set and the ability to adapt to different roles within the organization.

Now, let's shift our focus to the Ten-Book Rule for Smarter Thinking, as proposed by Scott H Young. Young argues that understanding an expert consensus is not enough to become an expert yourself. Understanding knowledge is a lower bar than creating knowledge or successfully applying it to diverse domains. However, if you want to answer a reasonable question, you can probably find a satisfactory answer by reading just ten books on the subject.

According to Young, textbooks are one of the most valuable books to read when seeking knowledge. They are written to represent expert consensus and provide a comprehensive understanding of a particular field. By reading up-to-date textbooks, aspiring product managers can gain a solid foundation of knowledge.

Academic monographs are another valuable resource for deeper understanding. While monographs may not offer a general survey of a field like textbooks do, they often provide more focused and specialized information. This can be particularly useful when seeking answers to specific questions or exploring a specific area of interest.

When it comes to learning about the world, Young suggests two broad approaches: building up from the basics or learning for specific ends. Both approaches have their merits, but after mastering the basics, the volume of knowledge can become overwhelming. Therefore, it is helpful to ask more pointed questions and seek out resources that address those specific questions.

In conclusion, becoming a great product manager requires a combination of core competencies, emotional intelligence, and company fit. PMs must possess a deep understanding of their product and industry, as well as the ability to empathize with customers and make informed decisions. They must also be self-aware and able to prioritize effectively without conveying panic or stress. Additionally, in the pursuit of knowledge, aspiring PMs can benefit from the Ten-Book Rule for Smarter Thinking, focusing on textbooks and academic monographs to gain a solid foundation and explore specific areas of interest.

Three actionable advice for aspiring product managers:

1. Develop your core competencies by continuously learning about your product and industry. Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies to stay ahead of the curve.
2. Cultivate emotional intelligence by actively listening to customers and stakeholders. Pay attention to their body language and emotions, and strive to understand their pain points and needs.
3. Build strong relationships with both internal and external stakeholders. Inspire and motivate people to reach their full potential, and actively seek opportunities to collaborate and create a positive work environment.

By following these advice, aspiring product managers can enhance their skills and increase their chances of becoming great product managers. Remember, it takes a combination of knowledge, empathy, and leadership to succeed in this role. So, continue to learn, grow, and adapt as you embark on your journey to becoming a great product manager.