Monthly FAQ- Nov 2024
Lessons, Insights, and Reflections on Product Management
I hope you had a relaxing Thanksgiving break. It’s hard to believe we’re already counting down the final days of 2024.
This month, I’m sharing the second-to-last edition of the Monthly FAQ. These questions came from my mentees and an AMA session I attended recently with product folks. Let’s dive in.
Q: What’s the AI tool you can’t live without?
Short Answer: Perplexity.
Breaking It Down:
About 80% of the time, when I’m searching for something, I just want quick, actionable answers. Instead of wading through a sea of search results, Perplexity delivers a focused search experience. It’s a game-changer. I can see the sources and even fine-tune where it searches, so I know I’m getting reliable results.
Food for Thought:
There are countless AI tools out there, but the key is finding one that fits your workflow and lifestyle. Simplicity and ease of use often win over complexity.
Q: What’s the toughest performance feedback you’ve received?
Short Answer: “You shield your team too much.”
Breaking It Down:
Years ago, my manager told me I was doing too much to protect my team—speaking up for them in meetings, pushing their agendas, and shielding them from accountability. At the time, I felt blindsided. I thought I was doing my job as a PM.
Looking back now, I see the wisdom in that feedback. My role wasn’t to carry the entire weight of the team but to ensure they were owning their responsibilities and staying accountable. It was a hard but valuable lesson in leadership.
Food for Thought:
Some feedback takes time to fully process. If something stings in the moment, pause, ask clarifying questions, and reflect. There’s often a reason behind it.
Q: What was the “aha” moment in your product career?
Short Answer: Realizing respect matters more than being liked.
Breaking It Down:
Early in my career, I worked hard to be likable, prioritizing harmony over effectiveness. I’d let deadlines slip, back down on ideas, or avoid tough conversations. Then, a mentor asked me to rethink my priorities: “What are you optimizing for?”
That question flipped a switch for me. I stopped chasing likability and started focusing on being respected for my work. It changed how I approached leadership, communication, and managing up.
Food for Thought:
Work relationships often blur into friendships over time. It’s okay to be transparent about your priorities and boundaries. People will respect you more for it.
Q: I’ve been at my company for years and feel stuck. What should I do?
Short Answer: Start by figuring out why.
Breaking It Down:
Ask yourself: What’s behind this feeling? Is it the team, the domain, or the company? Identifying the root cause is the first step. If it’s the domain, consider a team change. If it’s the company, it might be time to explore opportunities elsewhere.
Be open with your manager—they can’t help you if they don’t know what’s going on. But don’t let the feeling of being stuck grow unchecked.
Food for Thought:
Listen to yourself. Feeling unmotivated is a signal that something isn’t working. The sooner you address it, the sooner you can take control.
Q: Should I stay IC or move into management, especially with recent tech flattening?
Short Answer: Staying IC is the safer bet—for now.
Breaking It Down:
The IC-to-manager ratio is shrinking across the industry. Companies are pushing for leaner management structures and more “doers.” With rigorous performance reviews and tools to enforce accountability, there’s less reliance on day-to-day managerial oversight.
But this doesn’t mean management is off the table. If you’re passionate about leading teams and the work excites you, go for it. Just don’t pursue management solely for higher compensation or job security—those incentives are less reliable in today’s market.
Food for Thought:
Think about what excites you long-term. Choose the path that aligns with your strengths and motivations, not just market trends.
Wrapping Up
These questions reflect the challenges and lessons that come up frequently in our careers. I hope my experiences help you reflect on your own journey.
As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share what resonated with you—or send me your questions for next month’s FAQ.
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Stay curious,
Great post!