The Art of Seeing Through Many Eyes: A Product Manager's Superpower
Conversing with your pseudo mentors: Harnessing Diverse Insights for Masterful Product Management
This week, let's talk about a superpower that's often underrated yet pivotal in our journey as product managers: embracing multiple perspectives.
Why Perspectives Matter
In product, we interact, converse, and engage with a diverse group of practitioners daily - developers, QA professionals, legal experts, marketing maestros, and more. Each one brings a unique lens to the table, enriching our understanding and approach. But it's not just about the 'how' and 'when'; it's equally about the 'why' and 'what'. It’s important to have perspective when introducing your ideas to your co-creators, like considering what UX we’ve used in the past that is similar to what you are asking for… but even before you get to the “how” it will look, get built, and tested; you’ve got to also get perspective on your idea while it’s still in pitch deck form.
Mentorship from Afar - Imagining the Giants Beside Us
Throughout my career, I've often imagined my mentors right beside me, guiding through their insights. It’s a technique I've found incredibly powerful. But here's the kicker: mentorship doesn't always require a direct relationship.
Think of Steve Jobs. I never met him, yet by immersing myself in his biography, studying his presentations, and using Apple products, I've developed a deep enough understanding of his thinking process to pretend to ask him questions when I’m brainstorming perspectives for my idea. When I’m crafting a pitch deck and thinking through my observations or my hypothesis, I often ask, "What would Steve Jobs think about this?" or “Would Steve Jobs understand how I’m sequencing my thoughts?”; “how would Steve Jobs tell this story?” It's like having a council of giants in my mind, offering diverse viewpoints.
Your Personal Council of Mentors
Now, imagine your own council. It could include anyone who inspires you - a favorite author, a YouTube star, a former coworker, or even a family member. Pose them questions, anticipate their responses, and watch as this imaginary dialogue expands your perspective and refines your ideas.
Practical Application - The Ideation Process
When working on a new pitch or product feature, I mentally consult my list of 'pseudo-mentors'. This exercise is more than just creative thinking; it's a strategic tool. By preemptively exploring the questions and viewpoints they might raise, I'm often several steps ahead, ready with answers and deeper insights.
This approach doesn't just prepare us for team and leadership discussions; it ensures our ideas are robust, well-rounded, and considerate of various viewpoints and potential challenges.
Your Challenge
So here’s my challenge to you: For your next project, create your personal council. Consult with them, debate with them, and let their imaginary insights shape your real-world decisions.
Remember, in product management, our greatest strength lies in our ability to see through many eyes, to understand from many hearts, and to build with many hands.
Until next week protégés, keep expanding your horizons, and let's turn these perspectives into products that resonate with everyone.
PS. If you find this week’s newsletter helpful, inspiring, or just a nice snack sized reminder for all the great things you already know - please consider subscribing or sharing with your team!
