In a world where products are leaving the store shelves faster than the earth’s recovery rate, the responsibility to produce sustainable products befalls the shoulders of Product managers. A company that aspires for growth needs to shift focus on consumers and act accordingly. That’s why product management organizations need to devise better strategies to cope with the changing market trends. But is adopting newer ways as simple as talking about a weekend sale? Probably not!
Management, at times, can be a little intimidating for Product managers. And, if they do not have the right skills, the product’s success is a forgotten case. In our years of experience, we can say Product managers need to bifurcate bigger chunks from smaller ones and handle them separately. The bigger chunks would be hiring and assembling a high-performing product team, delivering tough but honest feedback, and keeping the note of deadlines. Of course, staying on track and holding 1:1 meetings are critical items on a PMs checklist– but sculpting that spectacular piece of art demands a finer chiseling work on the part of the PM to shape that product bit by bit. These small movements and detailed work make a product worthy of being at the top of the list. However, the details are often overlooked.
Product Managers– Captains of Product Ship
Having a great Product Manager proves a boon for a company as much as it is a bane if your company doesn’t have one. A good product manager would stop and listen to their team, allowing everyone to share their thoughts and opinions. One may wonder how these little conversations make any difference to product development. But, these conversations and the supportive attitude of a product manager always make miracles happen. At one point, they may ask your opinions about the product, and it wouldn’t be late when the team starts building a connection of trust with their team’s PM. In the end, we’re all humans with basic human instincts. And, when we say product management– it involves influencing your team with the right abilities and attitude, without using authority, because you don’t have any, on a funny note.
By now, you must be thinking about what micro-habits would make up a solid foundation for product managers and their teams? Here’s what the folks in product management have to say about the essential habits of PMs that can add an advantage to a product company. Keep reading!
What are the minor things that can make a Product Manager stand out in his career?
What follows is a not to miss set of habits that can up your product management game. And, yes no need for rote-learning; try to understand and apply. Whether you are a brand new product manager, a startup manager, or aspire to be in management, you may want to jot down plenty of management tactics.
Empower Your Team To Act Like The Owner
When priorities pile up, and your bosses ask for updates, it becomes hard not to push your team to act more rigorously. But at times, this act may further demotivate your team members. So, how can you make them flex their muscles instead of putting pressure on your team members? Below are a few examples :
- Let your team members present their ideas if resources and time allow. Either they will learn or surprise you; it is a win-win deal.
- Share your ideas with team members and allow them to bring up innovation in those ideas.
- Be a part of the team and share equal responsibility for product outcomes. Do not use authority; instead, influence your team if you feel they need guidance.
Be Self-aware And Vulnerable.
One thing product managers are a victim of is suppressing their human emotions. This work persona is excellent, but your team needs more than just a tough face. Share your failures, weak points, and the downfalls you faced in your career. In addition, add how you cope with those challenges. It will motivate and encourage your team to do a better job.
Become a Trusted Thought Partner
Suppose you worked at a Startup that has now surpassed the MVP stage. The plans now need to have new features, campaign strategies, and a few sales tactics to tackle these challenges. But, try to strike a balance between old basics and new ideas. In other words, you must juggle between different sets and find an equilibrium state. In all this, you and your team need to focus on:
- Keep thinking, allowing out-of-the-box ideas to kick-in
- Adapt to new situations without losing your cool
Finally, Be Flexible and Updated
That’s the advice folks in product management give to our new and aspiring product managers. If you are looking for product manager interview questions to crack your interview, Palarino will help you. Check out our website for more information!
