The Intersection of Product Leadership and Better Thinking-Writing Mediums

The Intersection of Product Leadership and Better Thinking-Writing Mediums

Introduction:
In the world of product management, there is a clear distinction between being a Product Manager (PM) and a Product Leader (PL). While PMs focus on maximizing the return of individual types of work, PLs are responsible for maximizing the overall Return on Investment (ROI) between all different types of product work. This shift requires PLs to go beyond their personal output and start influencing others in the organization to solve problems outside their direct control. Similarly, the act of writing has been recognized as a powerful tool for better thinking and clearer ideas. By exploring the commonalities between product leadership and better thinking-writing mediums, we can uncover valuable insights and actionable advice for both domains.

The Power of Influencing:
One key aspect of becoming a successful PL is the ability to influence others. Influencing is not limited to people within your function or problem area, but extends to individuals who may not have the same level of expertise. Similarly, a better thinking-writing medium must provide new agency or power to aid in the expression of ideas that were previously inaccessible. By leveraging the medium, individuals can effectively communicate their thoughts and bring others on board with their ideas. The skill of influencing becomes crucial in both product leadership and utilizing a thinking-writing medium effectively.

Thinking Across Time:
Writing has long been recognized as a tool for better thinking. It allows us to think across time, capturing our thoughts even when they are not at the forefront of our minds. By taking notes and laying out our ideas on paper, we create a physical representation of our thoughts that can be explored at our leisure. This process not only helps us organize our thoughts but also enables us to see connections and patterns that may have gone unnoticed. Similarly, a better thinking-writing medium should provide a space for us to lay out our thoughts, allowing us to jump between ideas and explore them in a non-linear manner. This ability to think across time is essential for both product leaders and individuals utilizing a thinking-writing medium.

Medium vs. Tool:
Chris Granger distinguishes between tools and mediums, defining tools as something that makes an existing workflow more efficient and mediums as something that gives us new agency or power to do something we couldn't do before. In the context of product leadership, transitioning from a PM to a PL requires more than just becoming efficient in your role; it involves developing new skills and influencing others in ways that were not previously within your purview. Similarly, a better thinking-writing medium should not simply enhance our existing writing workflow, but should provide us with new capabilities to think and express our ideas more effectively.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace the role of a leader: As you transition from a PM to a PL, focus on developing your leadership skills. This includes influencing others, identifying and removing organizational roadblocks, and maximizing the ROI between different types of product work.

2. Utilize a thinking-writing medium: Incorporate a medium that allows you to think and write more effectively. Look for tools that provide new capabilities, such as non-linear organization, easy rearrangement of ideas, and the ability to capture thoughts across time. Experiment with different mediums to find the one that suits your thinking and writing style.

3. Continuously refine your thinking and writing: Recognize that both product leadership and better thinking-writing require continuous improvement. Seek feedback from others, refine your communication skills, and actively engage in the process of enhancing your thinking and writing abilities.

Conclusion:
The intersection of product leadership and better thinking-writing mediums offers valuable insights for individuals seeking to excel in both domains. By understanding the importance of influencing, thinking across time, and embracing the power of mediums, we can enhance our effectiveness as product leaders and improve our thinking and writing capabilities. Embrace the role of a leader, utilize a thinking-writing medium, and continuously refine your skills to unlock your full potential in both realms.