More About Me

Product Manager

What is the Role of a Product Manager?


Whatever the job description says is always overruled by whatever it takes in the moment to ensure the success of the product.  I’ve always viewed the Product Manager role as the glue that binds the organization together in the pursuit of an opportunity, ensuring that all teams have a clear understanding of the goal and are unified in their efforts. 

The downside to this almost superhero-like persona of the Product Manager is that they are frequently spread thin, to the point of being ineffective.  This is where prioritization of their work is not only key to the success of the individual, but the overall organization. 

A Product Manager’s first priority should be the never-ending pursuit of knowing the customer and their expectations.  In fact, I once named a team of Product Managers the Customer Expectation Management team.  It’s really the heart of the role and my goal was to empower them to make it the top thing on their list every day.   

Let’s face it, most of the things a Product Manager is asked to support are backed up by other roles in the company, but no one else is going to claim the title of being the customer expert.  Yes, a Product Manager needs to have financial acumen, but most often there is someone else who is “the finance expert.”  And of course, a Product Manager needs to be strong in project management, but they should not be the full time Project Manager at the expense of losing touch with the outside world.   

Avid WSU Cougar Fan

I bleed crimson and grey, everyday. Fight, Fight, Fight for Washington State and Victory!

Languages

Italian