Revolutionise Your Product Team: Beyond the Myth of the ‘Better PM’
In the high-stakes world of product management, I’ve crossed paths with more than a few CEOs and execs at their wits’ end with their product teams. The all-too-common conclusion? “We need a brand new team of PMs.” But hold up, is the team really the issue, or are we just pointing fingers away from a leadership misstep?
The magic in a product team doesn’t just come from having stellar PMs; it’s about the environment they’re in. Without the right setting, even the crème de la crème of PMs won’t deliver the results you’re after.
Before you start handing out P45s, consider this: reshaping the environment is not only more cost-effective and less disruptive, but it’s also essential regardless of who’s on your team. And you might be taken aback by the performance of your current team when given the right conditions.
So, what does it take to foster an environment where PMs can truly excel? It’s all about laying down the right foundation:
- Consistency in goals is crucial. Being agile is of course paramount, but if you’re changing directions every other week, your team will be stuck in starting blocks. Aim for quarterly shifts in priorities to keep the team on a clear, steady path.
- Distractions are productivity killers. The success of your team is inversely proportional to the number of side projects and internal requests they’re juggling. Narrow down the focus to a couple of key initiatives, and watch your team’s efficiency soar.
- Never underestimate the power of context. Take time to clearly articulate your goals and the reasoning behind the features you’re asking for. Avoid the trap of simply demanding outcomes without providing the bigger picture, it leads to misalignment and wasted efforts.
- Let’s also follow the money. PMs need a window into the business’s financials to make informed decisions. Incorporate financial discussions in your meetings, but remember, it’s just one piece of the larger puzzle.
- Risk tolerance needs to be crystal clear. Teams typically err on the side of caution, fearing the fallout of a misstep. If you’re aiming for agility and innovation, explicitly communicate the levels of risk you’re comfortable taking.
- A PM’s role is multifaceted, but they’re not superhuman. They can handle communications, analysis, delivery, user interviews, and more, but there’s a limit. Ensure that responsibilities are balanced across different areas like design, engineering, and data to avoid overwhelming them.
- Lastly, efficient reporting is key. While flying blind isn’t an option, cumbersome reporting processes are a drain on time and resources. Collaborate with your PMs to create a streamlined reporting system that provides the essentials without the excess.
Before you overhaul your product team, take a hard look at the environment they’re operating in. Addressing the foundational issues here can transform your current team’s performance, saving you the turmoil of a complete team turnover. After all, nurturing the right environment is where the true leadership artistry lies.
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