I was not smart enough, or simply too proud to ask this question when I started.
But someone, one of our #productmanagement interns asked this.
What do you do when you take up a new #productmanager role?
It got me thinking…
Here are some pointers:
- Keep reading and learning how to apply new concepts
– Best learning happens when you apply, fumble or fail, improve
- Go beyond what you are asked to do
– Whether its research, writing requirements/stories or sifting through issues
- Work towards knowing more than what others know about the problem and business
– Industry trends, competition, what other teams are saying…
- Talk to all teams even if it is not part of your job – sales, support, and customer success. (Dev, QA is a given)
– Very few people do this and you will do your job better if you do this
- Ask your manager and others at a senior level when you are struggling – assuming they are willing to coach and support
- Seek mentors or people who will guide, outside the company, if possible
- Attend courses or workshops that will help you skill up on PM and related skills from time to time
– Don’t always wait for your company to sponsor it