How learning product management is like learning how to play guitar

When bending the strings or framework makes sense!

This week, let’s draw an inspiring parallel between the journey of a guitarist and the evolution of a digital product manager. Just as a guitarist must master scales and modes before being fully able to bring to life a fully formed creative idea, a product manager must grasp foundational frameworks like the E3 (Envision, Empower, Elevate), and then, crucially, learn when to bend the rules to foster innovation or work within their bounds. My brother used to always tell me to learn all the scales and modes, then try to forget them, or else you’ll sound robotic when trying to be creative and authentic.

Understanding the Scales: The E3 Framework in Product Management

In music, scales and modes are the building blocks of melody and harmony. They're essential for understanding the language of music. Similarly, in product management, frameworks like E3 are vital. They provide a structured approach to envisioning, empowering, and elevating a product.

Understanding these elements deeply is akin to a guitarist learning scales—it's the groundwork upon which creativity and innovation are built.

The Transition: From Scales to Symphonies

However, the true artistry in music doesn’t lie solely in playing the scales correctly. It’s about knowing when to adhere to them and when to diverge creatively. We’ve all heard the guitarist that is just learning how to solo and they are simply going up and down the scales fast. This can work for a beginner, but a true guitarist knows how to only. hit the notes needed to empower the song. Every note has a purpose.

In product management, once you’ve understood the fundamentals, the next step is to apply them appropriately.

It’s about using the E3 framework not as a rigid set of rules but as a flexible guide to navigate the complex world of product development. It’s about knowing the scope of what you are trying to build and only applying the parts of the framework that make sense. Sometimes you have to go backwards in order to progress the project; and having the big picture in mind to be able to do this is important.

Creativity within Structure: Finding Your Rhythm

As you become comfortable with the E3 framework, start experimenting. In music, a guitarist might blend different modes or play with timing to create something unique. In product management, this could mean innovating within the 'Envision' stage or finding new ways to 'Empower' and 'Elevate' your team and product. The goal is to use your foundational knowledge as a springboard for creativity.

Product Protégé Guide to deep dive

Balancing Knowledge and Spontaneity

Just as a guitarist balances the knowledge of scales with the spontaneity of improvisation, a product manager must balance the structure of E3 with the fluidity of creative thinking.

It’s about knowing when to stick to the playbook and when to write your own rules. It’s about knowing how much customer research verse using your intuition. It’s about knowing when to spend more time with your UX team verse your development team. It’s about knowing how deep to go in pre-refinement before you go in front of the team. What to lean into verse which parts to skip.

Coaching Moment: Making E3 Your Own

Here's a challenge: In your next project, identify one aspect of the E3 framework that you feel is becoming too routine. Think about how you can approach it differently. Maybe it's involving a new team member in the 'Envision' phase for fresh perspectives, or introducing an unconventional method in the 'Empower' stage to boost team morale and creativity. I would love to hear your feedback on how you are bending the E3 Framework to work in your team!

In conclusion, just as a guitarist must learn the scales to create beautiful music, a product manager must understand frameworks like E3 to build successful products. But remember, the magic happens when you blend this knowledge with your unique creative flair. So, learn the scales, then let your creativity flow to compose your product management symphony.

Until next week, stay innovative, stay inspired!