Questions about Product Management
What are the best free guides for a new product manager?
These free guides help you communicate well with your product team and stakeholders:
Business Fluency for Product Managers 15 business topics and free product manager resources on business acumen. From Prove Your Business Case.
Bright Spot Playbook A short guide I use when working through new capabilities. Includes a diagnostic and four questions that reveal whether a new capability strengthens the product or becomes another bright spot.
Operational Sellability Checklist Use it during launch preparation or as a learning tool you revisit each iteration. From When Your Launches Ship but the Product Doesn’t Move
Complex Learning Presentation Template for presenting complex technical material to stakeholders (article providing background on this - Simplify, Engage, Inspire)
Customer Conversations 5 steps to get customers to open up about a new feature and communicate your findings to your product team
This article on creating your Point of View shows examples that let you add value quickly: Don’t Stay Neutral - Show Your Point of View
How do I handle stakeholders who demand more than the team can deliver?
Stay close to stakeholders and handle their concerns effectively:
Get stakeholders involved by solving their problems: Solve Stakeholder Problems
Develop a relationship with stakeholders: Collaborating with Stakeholders
Don’t give your stakeholders reason to bypass you: Break Out of Mushroom Management
How do I use data to influence product decisions without authority?
It is key to use relevant data to set a direction:
Use storytelling with your data: Narrating your Data for Product Managers
Be familiar with your product financials: Using your Product Financials
Cultivate a relationship with your financial team: Working with Finance Successfully
Questions on Product Management Careers
How should I prepare for a performance review as a product manager?
Product leaders evaluate your leadership skills and decision-making capabilities. A senior director of product management shared his evaluation framework here: What Senior Leaders Look For in Product Managers’ Performance
What are the differences between a product manager and a senior product manager?
Product managers handle important product details that matter to customers. They learn from on-the-job experience while contributing to the execution of the product strategy. What It Looks Like to Be a Product Manager.
Senior Product Managers are the backbone of the product team. They head off product issues proactively with minimal help from leadership. They make a significant impact on their product's growth and strategy. They are sought out daily by their product team for assistance. They mentor their coworkers on their products and product management skills. What It Looks Like to Be a Senior Product Manager.