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how to become a good product manager
how to become a good product manager
11 answers
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Biplab’s Answer
Others have provided great responses here, but I'll add that you should be familiar with the concepts of Design Thinking as a good Product Manager (in addition to having a strong Project Management understanding as well).
Design thinking involves continuous iterative discovery, definition, development and delivery. You need to understand the problem that your customers face and make sure you are delivering the right solution and adapt quickly as needed.
Design thinking involves continuous iterative discovery, definition, development and delivery. You need to understand the problem that your customers face and make sure you are delivering the right solution and adapt quickly as needed.
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Joseph’s Answer
I've worked with many product managers over the years and I'll answer from that perspective:
The best product managers I've worked with have anticipated needs of stakeholders before stakeholders even recognize there is a need and are always actively listening to pain points throughout the process, tracking those and trying to solve for those with initiatives. They're also VERY good at recalling those pain points later on and communicating value add when trying to launch an initiative or getting buy in. The best product mangers I've worked with would have been really great sales agent to be honest! The last thing is being able to network well and knowing who is needed for what. Best of luck!
The best product managers I've worked with have anticipated needs of stakeholders before stakeholders even recognize there is a need and are always actively listening to pain points throughout the process, tracking those and trying to solve for those with initiatives. They're also VERY good at recalling those pain points later on and communicating value add when trying to launch an initiative or getting buy in. The best product mangers I've worked with would have been really great sales agent to be honest! The last thing is being able to network well and knowing who is needed for what. Best of luck!
Updated
Shelly’s Answer
I am glad you are asking the question. To become a good product manager, focus on developing a blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills. Start by gaining a solid understanding of your product and market through research and hands-on experience. Build strong communication skills to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams including developers, designers, and marketers. Embrace customer-centric thinking to create products that truly meet user needs. Additionally, learning project management methodologies and tools will help you streamline processes and meet deadlines. Continuously seek feedback and be adaptable to change. Remember, a good product manager is always learning and improving, driven by a passion for creating impactful products.
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Naman’s Answer
To become a successful product manager, focus on developing a blend of technical knowledge, business acumen, and strong interpersonal skills. The priority is customer focus and a design thinking based iterative approach to customer centric thinking. The best way is to analyse current products and join product enthusiasts communities such as the Prod people. Assuming someone wants to start from scratch without a degree:
1. Understand the Role:
-Responsibilities: A product manager is responsible for the product’s success, from conception to launch and beyond. This includes market research, defining product vision, working with cross-functional teams, and managing the product lifecycle.
-Skills Required: Key skills include strategic thinking, communication, leadership, and a good understanding of technology and business.
2. Develop Core Skills:
-Market Research: Learn how to conduct market research to understand customer needs and market trends.
-Product Roadmapping: Gain skills in creating and managing product roadmaps.
-Data Analysis: Be proficient in analyzing data to make informed decisions.
-Project Management: Understand project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
3. Gain Experience:
-Start Small: Begin with smaller projects or roles such as a product analyst or associate product manager.
-Internships: Secure internships in product management to gain hands-on experience.
-Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams like engineering, marketing, and sales to understand different perspectives.
-Learn Continuously:
-Online Courses: Take courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Some recommended courses include: Product Management Fundamentals, Become a Product Manager,
-Books: Read books like “Inspired” by Marty Cagan and “The Lean Product Playbook” by Dan Olsen.
-Certifications: Consider certifications like Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Pragmatic Marketing.
4. Build a Network:
-Join Communities: Participate in product management communities and forums.
-Attend Events: Go to industry conferences, webinars, and meetups.
-Find a Mentor: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
An alternate career could be in UI/UX design.
1. Understand the Role:
-Responsibilities: A product manager is responsible for the product’s success, from conception to launch and beyond. This includes market research, defining product vision, working with cross-functional teams, and managing the product lifecycle.
-Skills Required: Key skills include strategic thinking, communication, leadership, and a good understanding of technology and business.
2. Develop Core Skills:
-Market Research: Learn how to conduct market research to understand customer needs and market trends.
-Product Roadmapping: Gain skills in creating and managing product roadmaps.
-Data Analysis: Be proficient in analyzing data to make informed decisions.
-Project Management: Understand project management methodologies like Agile and Scrum.
3. Gain Experience:
-Start Small: Begin with smaller projects or roles such as a product analyst or associate product manager.
-Internships: Secure internships in product management to gain hands-on experience.
-Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work closely with teams like engineering, marketing, and sales to understand different perspectives.
-Learn Continuously:
-Online Courses: Take courses on platforms like Coursera, Udemy, or LinkedIn Learning. Some recommended courses include: Product Management Fundamentals, Become a Product Manager,
-Books: Read books like “Inspired” by Marty Cagan and “The Lean Product Playbook” by Dan Olsen.
-Certifications: Consider certifications like Certified Scrum Product Owner (CSPO) or Pragmatic Marketing.
4. Build a Network:
-Join Communities: Participate in product management communities and forums.
-Attend Events: Go to industry conferences, webinars, and meetups.
-Find a Mentor: Seek out mentors who can provide guidance and support.
An alternate career could be in UI/UX design.
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Ravi’s Answer
To excel as a top-notch product manager, it's crucial to zero in on comprehending the needs of your users and carving out a crystal-clear vision for your product. Hone vital abilities like communicating effectively, thinking strategically, and solving problems efficiently. Acquire practical experience by diving into projects or internships, and pursue guidance from seasoned professionals. Keep the flame of learning alive and actively participate in product management communities, as this will not only boost your knowledge but also expand your professional network.
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Deb’s Answer
Product Management is a such a dynamic role that I personally love. To go from good (where you're excellent in your core responsibilities) and move to great - learn a bit about the discipline of others in your group. For example, having basic knowledgeable about design or technical concepts allows you to be more well-rounded and because a product manager is often a group leader of the other disciplines you become a more effective collaborator with your peers.
Updated
Castino (Wei)’s Answer
Becoming a proficient Product Manager (PM) is within your reach, especially if you focus on honing your communication skills.
* Cross-functional Communication: As a PM, you'll be the bridge between various teams such as engineering, design, marketing, and sales. Your role is to decode technical jargon into business benefits, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the product's objectives.
* Stakeholder Management: It's crucial to maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders. This will help manage their expectations and collect valuable feedback.
* Customer Communication: Mastering the art of understanding and articulating customer issues is key. This ensures that your product is tailored to meet genuine needs.
Remember, these skills are not innate; they can be learned and enhanced as you progress in your product career. It's important to ensure that your PM work style aligns with your personality and interests. You'll discover immense joy in your career if you enjoy collaborating with people from diverse roles.
* Cross-functional Communication: As a PM, you'll be the bridge between various teams such as engineering, design, marketing, and sales. Your role is to decode technical jargon into business benefits, ensuring everyone is on the same page regarding the product's objectives.
* Stakeholder Management: It's crucial to maintain open lines of communication with stakeholders. This will help manage their expectations and collect valuable feedback.
* Customer Communication: Mastering the art of understanding and articulating customer issues is key. This ensures that your product is tailored to meet genuine needs.
Remember, these skills are not innate; they can be learned and enhanced as you progress in your product career. It's important to ensure that your PM work style aligns with your personality and interests. You'll discover immense joy in your career if you enjoy collaborating with people from diverse roles.
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Tammy’s Answer
Product management role may slightly differ depending on the company which is why it's such a dynamic role. Also, this role is often not the expert at one thing, but knowledgable about many areas to bring the strategy and plan together. There's a variety of soft and hard skills you'll want to master for the role, including but not exhaustive, is communication, business acumen, technical knowledge, project management, strategic thinking, and much more.
There's also lots of communities you can join to increase your knowledge and support. There are many training courses on LinkedIn as an example and my favorite is Women in Product which is global, but also has local chapters.
There's also lots of communities you can join to increase your knowledge and support. There are many training courses on LinkedIn as an example and my favorite is Women in Product which is global, but also has local chapters.
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Vinod’s Answer
Exceptional Product Managers:
1. Forge a Deep Connection with Your Customers: Top-tier PMs possess a profound understanding of their customers, along with the specific issues their product addresses. This deep-seated knowledge is pivotal in crafting effective solutions.
2. Convey the "WHY" Effectively: Excel in expressing the rationale behind your product. Irrespective of your audience, be it a CEO or entry-level developers, streamline your message to guarantee everyone grasps the vision and objectives.
3. Recognize the Perfect Commercialization Window: Timing is everything. Identify the opportune moments to introduce your product to the market, striking a balance between product readiness and market potential.
4. Base Decisions on Data: Depend on data to steer your decisions. Scrutinize metrics and feedback to shape your strategies, ensuring every decision is underpinned by robust evidence.
1. Forge a Deep Connection with Your Customers: Top-tier PMs possess a profound understanding of their customers, along with the specific issues their product addresses. This deep-seated knowledge is pivotal in crafting effective solutions.
2. Convey the "WHY" Effectively: Excel in expressing the rationale behind your product. Irrespective of your audience, be it a CEO or entry-level developers, streamline your message to guarantee everyone grasps the vision and objectives.
3. Recognize the Perfect Commercialization Window: Timing is everything. Identify the opportune moments to introduce your product to the market, striking a balance between product readiness and market potential.
4. Base Decisions on Data: Depend on data to steer your decisions. Scrutinize metrics and feedback to shape your strategies, ensuring every decision is underpinned by robust evidence.
Updated
Kennedy’s Answer
To thrive as a product manager, immerse yourself in market trends and truly grasp the needs of your users. Master the art of crafting clear visions and strategic plans for your products, and familiarize yourself with essential tech knowledge to collaborate seamlessly with engineers. Strengthen your project management abilities, and make your decisions grounded in reliable data. Effective communication is crucial—hone your skills in managing diverse stakeholders and nurturing a team-oriented environment. Always prioritize the customer by valuing their feedback and ensuring your product is user-friendly. During your college years, enroll in relevant courses, pursue internships, and participate in side projects to acquire practical experience.
Thank you for sharing your perspective.
lala
Updated
Vera’s Answer
Great insights! I’d like to add that, in my opinion, truly great PMs are multipliers. While PMs often influence without formal authority, the best ones excel at recognizing and harnessing the strengths of key partners. These partners include engineering managers, UX designers, researchers, product marketing managers, program managers, data analysts, and more. In many ways, a strong PM is like a conductor, providing the right insights to guide and align the work of these collaborators, all with the ultimate goal of creating a product that is both truly useful and viable for the business.
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