Hands-On Product Management: Lesson Learned
Mastering Communication and Prioritization as Product Manager
Transitioning into product management? Effective communication and prioritization are your secret weapons. Here's how to master them:
Internal Communication: Your Daily Bread and Butter
Announcing Product Updates: When your team rolls out minor updates to your mobile app, it’s your job to spread the word. Craft a clear, engaging email to inform your organization about the changes and their impact.
Presenting to Executives: Decided on a new product direction? Time to pitch it to the executives. Use compelling storytelling, backed by solid research, to make your case and win their support.
As a product manager, keeping everyone in the loop—from ideation to post-launch updates—is crucial. Tailor your communication style to ensure alignment and engagement at every step.
Influencing Stakeholders: The Art of Persuasion
Your storytelling skills are key to influencing stakeholders, whether you’re pitching a new idea or explaining why some requests can’t be met.
Example: An executive asks for ten new features, but your team can only manage two. Explain clearly and persuasively why certain features take priority. Effective communication helps you gain acceptance and understanding.
Prioritization: Deciding What Matters Most
Prioritization is a game-changer. Use the Action Priority Matrix to rank features based on impact and effort:
Quick Wins (High Impact/Low Effort): Tackle these first for maximum benefit.
Major Projects (High Impact/High Effort): Important but plan carefully.
Fill-Ins (Low Impact/Low Effort): Great for when you have spare capacity.
Thankless Tasks (Low Impact/High Effort): Avoid if possible.
This matrix helps you make strategic decisions and explain your choices clearly, reinforcing your influence with stakeholders.
In Summary
For aspiring product managers, mastering communication, storytelling, and prioritization is essential. These skills ensure you keep everyone informed, effectively influence decisions, and drive your product's success. Embrace these tools and transform your career in product management!