In the realm of modern business, high-performing product managers are the linchpin of success. They possess a unique set of cognitive strategies that set them apart. Let’s delve deeper into these strategies and understand their significance through the wisdom of accomplished individuals throughout history.
Empower, Don’t Dictate
One cardinal rule for top-tier product managers is to empower rather than dictate. Legendary industrialist Henry Ford once said,
“Don’t find fault, find a remedy.”
Product managers apply this philosophy by refraining from art-directing designers and constraining engineering teams. Instead, they provide a clear vision, much like a lighthouse guiding ships through the night. They trust their teams to navigate toward the intended destination, fostering creativity and ownership.
Accountability and Insight
Great product managers are relentless in their pursuit of insight and accountability. Albert Einstein emphasized the importance of curiosity when he said,
“I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”
Effective product managers study the competitive landscape meticulously, utilizing user research to foster empathy. They start by framing the problem statement, which Thomas Edison rightly observed as “the main thing.” With this foundation, they enable tech and design teams to craft solutions. They then review these steps to make informed decisions, weighing the pros and cons judiciously.
Team Collaboration
A hallmark of high-performing product managers is their ability to orchestrate collaboration among diverse teams. Andrew Carnegie, the steel magnate, once noted,
“Teamwork is the ability to work together toward a common vision.”
Product managers align the interests and schedules of design, engineering, legal, policy, operations, and marketing teams. They act as shields against the noise that often emanates from executives with limited context. Their goal is to create a serene environment where the team can concentrate on the main objective: shipping a successful product.
Discipline and Focus
High-performing product managers are masters of discipline and focus, resisting the allure of distractions and maintaining an unwavering commitment to the project’s primary goal. As American author Mark Twain famously advised,
“Eat a live frog every morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
Product managers heed this advice, tackling the most critical tasks first. They celebrate small successes along the way, understanding the importance of positive reinforcement. We often look so long and so regretfully upon the closed door that we do not see the one which has opened for us.”
Product managers operate at the intersection of empowerment, accountability, collaboration, discipline, and unwavering focus. They draw inspiration from the wisdom of their sound education, applying these timeless principles to the dynamic world of product management. By mastering these cognitive strategies, product managers not only drive success but also foster meaningful connections with their teams. As Mahatma Gandhi aptly put it,
“You must be the change you want to see in the world.”
Product managers embody this change, leading their teams to excellence and success.
