A key takeaway that I learned from the reading is that there is no specific definition for the product manager role, rather it is better captured by general descriptions. The work of a product manager varies by company size; the work often ambiguous and subject to change. My idea of a product manager’s job now aligns with the reading. The product manager is the mediator between customers and the engineering team. A product manager has lots of responsibilities, including the successful launch of a product and other business initiatives. It takes a person who is a good communicator, humble, and adaptable to succeed in product management. I think of a product manager’s role as one who connects the specialized teams of a company, ensuring that the company is on the same page in working towards a product release goal.
One question I have for the author of the book is: to what extent is a product manager involved in the full development lifecycle of a product? I understand that the engineering team is responsible for building the product, but is it the product manager’s job to conduct needfinding, design the flow or architecture of a product, assess UX/UI outcomes, and take the finished product to market? Another question I have is: what does a typical day look like for a product manager? The reading suggests that there might not be a typical day since the work is dynamic, but I would like to know more about common work practices.
