PMs are like the CEOs of the product. Like the CEO herself who makes decisions for the company, the PMs must make strategic decisions on the direction of the product itself. Product Management is a multifaceted role that sits at the intersection of technology, business, and user experience, a role that requires a delicate balance of strategic vision and tactical execution, often under the scrutiny of various stakeholders. Unlike the CEO, a PM must influence without authority and understand the various nuances of how to interact, convince, and work with personalities from engineering, design, marketing, data, user research, management, and so much more. A recent Reddit conversation among product managers sheds light on the complexities and challenges of the role, offering a candid glimpse into the world of product management. If you are considering a career as a product manager, here's a behind-the-scenes look at what's so hard about being a PM.
The Overarching Challenge of Stakeholder Management
One of the most echoed sentiments in the conversation was the challenge of stakeholder management. As one user, darthvader9840, succinctly put it, "Stakeholder management" is particularly challenging "especially at those early-stage startups where the CEO wants to drive all product decisions." This sentiment was echoed across the board, highlighting a common struggle among product managers to navigate the waters of executive influence and maintain autonomy over product decisions.
The CEO's Heavy Hand
The involvement of CEOs and other high-level executives in product decisions was a point of contention. A user named Ok-Fun2582 shared their experience in a Series D company, stating, "the CEO is currently talking to every team, every week, discussing the lowest-level decisions you can imagine." This level of micromanagement can stifle the creativity and autonomy of product managers, leading to frustration and, in some cases, key personnel leaving the company.
The Art and Science of Prioritization
Another critical aspect of product management is prioritization. Chillbillnow91 emphasized the importance of "Doing the right thing at the right time," which is "critical and complex." This sentiment was supported by others who find prioritization both challenging and exciting, highlighting the strategic thinking required to nail down what needs to be done and when.
Battling Imposter Syndrome
The conversation also touched on the personal challenges faced by product managers, including imposter syndrome. Deepandmeaningless shared, "Feeling like I don't know what I'm doing," a sentiment that resonated with many others. The upvotes and replies to this comment underscored the prevalence of imposter syndrome in the field, pointing to the often overwhelming nature of the role.
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The Daily Grind and Multifaceted Challenges
Product managers often find themselves being pulled in different directions by different teams, as honeybdgerontheprowl pointed out. This, coupled with back-to-back meetings and the pressure to find perfect arguments under pressure, paints a picture of a role that is both demanding and relentless.
The Blame Game
An interesting point raised by sasquatchsam was the dynamic of responsibility and blame: "When everything goes well, the whole team gets to celebrate. If something goes wrong, it’s your fault." This highlights the high-stakes nature of product management, where the successes are shared, but the failures often fall squarely on the shoulders of the product manager.
Understanding Users: A Rewarding Challenge
Despite the challenges, there are rewarding aspects to the role. Mukul_tan mentioned, "Hard but satisfying at the same time 'Understanding users'." This encapsulates the joy of getting to the heart of user needs and crafting solutions that truly make a difference.
The Constant Juggle and Pricing Dilemmas
Product managers often face the challenge of context-switching and dealing with the intricacies of pricing. These aspects of the role require a nimble mind and a deep understanding of the market and user base, often underpinned by a trial-and-error approach to find what works.
Explaining the Unexplainable
Rockit454 likened the role to "trying to explain Quantum Physics to your five-year-old ADHD nephew," highlighting the difficulty of conveying complex product concepts in understandable terms. This analogy underscores the communication challenges product managers often face, both internally with teams and externally with stakeholders.
The Misunderstood Role
The conversation also touched on the misunderstanding of the product management role in many organizations. OutrageousTax9409 lamented the poor support and misunderstanding of the role, a sentiment that many product managers can relate to, underscoring the need for clearer definitions and expectations around the role.
The Curse of Second Order Effects
Gj_w brought up an interesting point about second order effects, where decisions have indirect consequences that are often overlooked. This highlights the complexity of decision-making in product management, where every choice can have far-reaching implications.
The Weight of Decision Making
GeorgeHarter pointed out the importance of being right about the next most important feature, which affects everything from customer satisfaction to company revenue. This responsibility underscores the strategic importance of the product management role and the impact of their decisions.
The Inevitable Meeting Flood
A common grievance among product managers is the sheer number of meetings, as echoed by WalkKeeper. This "flood of meetings" is a testament to the collaborative nature of the role but also points to the challenge of managing time effectively.
Roadmap Realities
GathersRock touched on the challenge of convincing stakeholders that the product roadmap is realistic and not just a collection of aspirations. This highlights the strategic aspect of product management, where vision must be balanced with feasibility.
Deciphering User Feedback
The wide range of user feedback, from praise to criticism, presents another challenge for product managers. This feedback is crucial for iterative development but requires a thick skin and a discerning mind to navigate.
The Constant Learning Curve
The role of a product manager is one of constant learning and adaptation. Whether it's keeping up with the latest tech buzzwords or explaining the role to family and friends, product managers must be versatile and ever-evolving.
These Reddit conversations offer a raw and insightful look into the world of product management. From the challenges of stakeholder management and prioritization to the personal battles with imposter syndrome and the constant juggle of responsibilities, it's clear that product management is a role that demands a unique blend of skills and resilience. Yet, despite the challenges, the role remains rewarding, offering the opportunity to make a tangible impact on users and the business alike. If you are interested in a career in product, check out Cracking the PM Interview to help you master your interview and job search.
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