My Five Product Managers’ Obsessions
It has been quite some time since I embarked on my journey as a Product Manager (well, even though my title is Product Owner, I regard myself as a Product Manager:)). Over time, I’ve noticed that I’ve developed certain occupational habits that have become almost like obsessions. These habits define how I approach my work and the world of products. Let’s explore whether you can relate to these quirks as well.
1. Constant Pursuit of Understanding WHY:
Regardless of the task at hand or the relationships we engage in, as Product Managers, we have an insatiable curiosity for understanding the underlying reasons behind things. For instance, I once found myself delving into the intriguing question of why Finnish words follow the seemingly enigmatic K-T-P rule. I was determined to uncover a pattern or reason behind it, only to discover that it’s simply a linguistic pattern shaped by historical factors. While there may have been a clear rule during a certain period, over centuries, it has transformed into a complex web of irregularities.
2. Frustration in the Face of the Unexplainable:
As seen in the previous example, the inability to find a rational explanation can be maddening for us. I distinctly recall the frustration that welled up within me when faced with such inexplicable phenomena. Feel as if you are just simply repeating the frustrations as you have in product discovery. lol.
3. An Inclination Towards Advanced Planning:
Product Managers tend to be meticulous planners. We find ourselves naturally inclined to strategize and prepare well in advance to ensure that our products meet their goals and objectives. In daily life, the “products” could be hiking, running, cooking and even dating with someone!
4. MVP everything:
The concept of the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) somehow becomes our life guiding principle. We’re constantly seeking ways to streamline our life and make them as lean as possible.
5. Reluctance to Pass Judgment on Other Products:
Interestingly, as Product Managers, we often refrain from passing harsh judgments on other products or other people. We tend to infer that there must be some reasons behind the scene so that they have to be like that! We understand the effort and thought that goes into product development and are more inclined to offer constructive feedback rather than outright criticism. Same as life.
Well, it may not seem as troublesome as it sounds. What are your Job Obsessions?
