This chapter of the book does a deep dive into the different aspects of being a product manager that we don’t always see. It is a job often associated with glory, and we tend to overlook the negative aspects that aren’t always at the forefront of our minds. Much as we have mentioned in class it is heavily revolves around the product responsibility
Insights:
- Soft Skills: Much of being a PM is about managing and understanding people. The chapter highlights how crucial these skills are.
- Limited Authority: An interesting point is how little authority a PM actually has. You aren’t the boss and can’t enforce what you say. This relates to the concept of positive vs. negative reinforcement and what truly motivates people.
- Motivation Strategies: Without the power to fire, negativity can be unproductive. Therefore, PMs should ideally focus on being encouraging and motivating.
Reflections on Stereotypes:
The different motifs and stereotypes that come into play when someone takes on a PM role are intriguing. These extremes, often based in truth, helped me think more deeply about the job overall.
Questions for the Author:
- How can PMs effectively influence teams without formal authority?
- What strategies can be used to motivate teams positively?
