Recently read some articles, watched some YouTube videos on the roles and responsibilities of a Product Manager. I found it very fascinating to know and understand the mindset of a Product Manager. In a layman's term - he/she is a glorified Business Analyst with a Developer skillset with marketing acumen operating within the realms of legal framework by providing the maximum utility of a Product - or to put it even exalted level - CEO of a product.
A Product Manager is responsible for owning the product, have a vision of that product, and think of creative ways to work with developers, the marketing team, and any other peripheral teams (legal, security, design, communication, etc.) to help shape that vision to fruition.
Also, I feel that a Product Manager needs to be in touch with ground realities time and again. Working closely with a Product cab gives them tunnel vision and they feel very protective towards their creation.
As a Consultant I can connect in many ways a Product Manager navigates different hoops of obstacles and work for the greater good.
I have worked with many different teams, different team dynamics coupled with different technologies and domains in play. I have my eyes set on the prize - the delivery of the project which makes one immune to internal politics or any disruptions. Resolve to get things done, grit to endure hierarchical nomenclature, and navigate the organizational terrain.
The focus should be on the delivery (launch) as well as sailing (land) of a Project.
Validation is one of the key indicators if processes are flowing smoothly and not having any bottlenecks or data integrity compromised. Having checkpoints in form of Reports to verify - data coming in - data processed - output result. In short, the landing of a space shuttle is equally important if not more than the launching of a space shuttle.
Great article. Also I feel that a Product Manager needs to be in touch with ground realities time and again. Working closely with a Product cab give them tunnel vision and they feel very protective towards their creation.
ReplyDeleteVery good insight. As you mentioned, the product manager interacts with many different roles within the organization and sets a product for the vision. Hence, the product manager is critical to the success of the project as well as how well the different teams (e.g. devops, marketing) work together to ensure successful launch and maintenance of the product.
ReplyDeleteYou got it exactly right when you wrote, "the landing of a space shuttle is equally important if not more than the launching of a space shuttle." The product manager is the end-to-end owner, a CEO of a business within a business. As a result, he/she will wear many hats. Great read!
ReplyDeleteYou just made me smarter about the world of Product Management!
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