6 Reasons NOT to Get Into Product Management
If you’re considering a career in product management, let me be real with you. As a product manager who genuinely loves her job, I’m not oblivious to the aspects of the role that would drive others nuts.
If you’re coming in fresh and don’t really understand what a product manager does, I recommend reading Marty Cagen’s (Silicon Valley Product Group) Product Manager Job Description before reading on. It’s a super quick read.
If you broadly understand the role but are keen to find out what types of general skills and personal preferences may not be suited to it, take a moment to consider these potential deal breakers.
1. If you just want people to do as you say
Product management is all about collaboration and teamwork. If you envision simply giving orders and expecting others to follow without question, then it’s absolutely not the right fit. The role requires bringing people along with a vision, persuading stakeholders, and work closely with cross-functional teams. Plus, in most cases, the development team does not directly report to the product manager, so mastering the art of influence without hierarchical authority is critical.
2. If you prefer to keep yourself to yourself
Headphones on, diving deep into the work, avoiding too much interaction? Product management demands the opposite. It’s a role that requires constant communication and collaboration with various stakeholders, such as engineers, designers, marketers, and executives. Stay clear if you find yourself cringing at the thought of continuous interaction and prefer working in isolation.
3. If you can’t stand office politics
Let’s face it — office politics exist in almost every workplace. Product managers can end up at the heart of it. Managing stakeholders and navigating organizational dynamics can be challenging. You’ll need to influence and align the interests of different teams, manage conflicting priorities, and sometimes make tough decisions when resources are limited. If you despise dealing with all the above and find it exhausting beyond repair, then you might find the work more frustrating than fulfilling.
4. If you’re a technology purist
Product managers work at the intersection of technology, business, and user needs. While it’s crucial to have a strong technical understanding, being a technology purist — someone who is solely focused on the code and its elegance —would not serve you well in this role. The primary focus should be on achieving the mission and desired outcomes. If you’re too attached to the code and resist adapting or pivoting when needed, you might struggle to make difficult decisions for success of the product.
5. If you don’t want the buck to stop with you
Product managers are often referred to as the “mini CEOs” of their products. They are responsible for the product’s success, which means accountability and ownership come with the territory. Comfort with l ultimate responsibility for the product’s performance, taking the lead, and being held accountable for the outcomes is a necessity. It requires making decisions and owning the results, both good and bad, regardless of how much control you had over those results.
6. If you struggle with putting yourself in someone else’s shoes
Empathy and emotional intelligence (EQ) play a crucial role in product management. You’ll be working with various stakeholders, each with their own perspectives, goals, and challenges. Understanding their needs, motivations, and concerns is essential for building successful products. If you find it challenging to empathize with others and put yourself in their shoes, it may be difficult for you to gather insights, collaborate effectively, and ultimately deliver products that truly meet users’ needs.
Every role has its challenges and often is easier to figure out what you don’t like instead of what you like. I intentionally didn’t touch on core PM activities, such product scoping, instead I focused on dynamics that most people are familiar with regardless of past experience.
Consider these points, reflect on your own preferences and strengths, and make an informed decision about whether product management aligns with your aspirations, strengths and personality.
