The better product manager

I was always asked what makes a good product manager and I believe the following are a few characteristics each good product manager share, even if they know it or not.

Data driven optimism

As a product manager no matter what you have to keep your optimism and positivism but always assess the situation as it really is. There is nothing more important then to not lose your head. Doing this will inspire confidence in stakeholders and will help you prevent challenges from becoming issues.

Help and ask for help

We are not born thought and we all have days we are not at 100%. Always ask for help when you need it no matter the issue and always offer help when another asks. There is no shame in asking for help and if you will not ask the problem will only get bigger.

Challenge and learn to say no

Saying no can be one of the most tricky part of stakeholder management but it’s necessary in order to prioritize truly important work. It’s also very important how you say no – remember as you put passion in your ideas so do your stakeholders. The same goes about challenging – always try to understand the real issue the user is facing behind each feature request. It’s your role to understand the real challenge and to fix the actual problem not to implement blindly what is asked. You have a mind – use it.

Be empathetic

Be mindful of other people feelings. Most often people invest feelings in their work and if you provide feedback or you discuss a new idea you have to do it with empathy. You always have to care for your stakeholders and to manage their expectations gently.

Be a humble leader

Although your title has manager in it you don’t line manage anyone so if you want to achieve your goals you have to get everyone’s buy in. Always lead by example and be the source of information for your product. Help when you are asked, protect your team from outside challenges and solve any impediments quickly. Always remember – you need friends and comrades not subjects.

Don’t be afraid to take charge

Always take charge and responsibility when no one wants to. Show true leadership and remember you are in it for the glory as well as for the work.

Be mindful of your users

Always build for the users but as I mentioned earlier – not by building what they ask for but what will solve their challenge. Remember to always release when the market is ready. An early release might mean that the market isn’t ready to support and / or adopt your product, while a late release will mean you are releasing in a read ocean with a lot of competitors.

Innovate

No matter what you are building remember that in order to be successful you have to provide the best possible solution. In order to achieve this you have to always better yourself.

In the current world the whole company looks up to product managers to master multiple areas and fields – from day to day development operations to strategic initiatives like pricing and on boarding strategies. What do you think makes a good product manager?

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