I always wondered why I was able to create great impact as a product manager in certain products and not able to replicate the same in all the products I am part of. If I retrospect and analyse deeply, there are various factors which control the product’s impact ( Product-market fit, Market size, Customer adoption, etc). But, most of this are not 100% in my control. One thing which stands out in my journey are the core values and principles of an individual and how it affects the product outcome. If you choose the right product you want to work basis your value system, then you will eventually have the power to win all the uncontrollable variables around you.
Product by itself do not have emotions but the team who defines and creates it has lot of emotions. These emotions are stemmed from the deeper value system built over years from your environment and families. Most of the product mgmt skills can be acquired over a period of time by training or by having hands- on experience. But the difference between a great product mgr vs good product mgr is on what problem you pick to solve. If the problem you pick to solve matches with your value system, then it is so tough for you to consider that as a desk job.
So, next time when you are looking out for a new opportunity , see if it matches your value system. For that to happen, you need to first define your values. Here is a snapshot of my values
Core Values and Principles
- Empathy : Be empathetic in whatever we do. Care for users/people even in the hardest times and they will care for us in our tough times.
- Simplicity : Break the complex things into simple blocks. If we are able to articulate things in a simple way, it means we understood it better.
- Enjoy the Journey : Discover new things each day. Focus on the craft of what we are good at. It will take us to the destination where we want to go. Maybe all our hearts already know it.
- Love Conflicts : The diverse thoughts each one has are our pillars. Listen and appreciate different perspectives. It will make us more knowledgeable and humble. Conflicts actually lead to more clarity.
- Be Original : Each of us are unique by design. Bring out that uniqueness more to face our everyday challenges. We want to be original first and then popular and not the other way.
- Commitment : We sincerely own the things which we sign up for. We do not have anything to lose after being truly committed.
- Be Curious: Curiosity allows us to learn new things. We learn and share. We lose our curiosity only when we want to rest.
I know its so difficult to match all your core values but try to use this as a framework to evaluate your Job opportunity/ new roles . This will eventually take you to the team/boss/people who share same values like you. If this is aligned, then most of your time will be spent on creating impact….
