There are a lot of misconceptions about product managers, and it is completely understandable. With the vast scope and complexity of this role, it can be very easy for people to make assumptions as to what product managers do and what qualities make one good at this kind of job. Let us take a look at these myths and uncover what product managers really are.
You Need to be a Techie to be a Product Manager
While it is necessary to be tech savvy in product management, which requires technical skills in order to create innovative products and future enhancements to it, the role is a commercial role and not technical. It is important that a product manager understands how products work and what the possibilities are when it comes to new features that could address or even prevent future problems of users, but this is something that helps product manager effectively function in their role, not a primary skill that is required.
Product Management is Similar to Marketing
Product managers work closely with various teams, including marketing, to ensure the success of their product, but the role of a product manager is not the same as that of a marketing manager. Yes, product managers are effective communicators like marketing managers, outlining the features and benefits of their products, but they hold a larger scope than promoting the selling points of a product. To be more precise, they are the ones that bring about these selling points.
Lean and Agile Fascism
When you describe a system or method as lean and agile, these terms are generally used for mass production, seeking minute improvements done repetitively and leading to massive overall gains. What product management is truly about is the execution of linear process that does not involve much variation or irregularity, so there is greater efficiency in building on improvements on their product.
A Product Manager Analyzes Data
No, a product manager is not a data analyst. But yes, product managers analyze data, but with the purpose of knowing what the next product or enhancement should be. Product managers perform data analysis for the end user, understanding the numbers and information to know what problems needs to be solved, what features the customers want to be added, and how customers use their product so a better product that answers current and future problems are offer to the customers.
The Boss
Here’s the most infamous title for product managers. On the contrary, however, product managers are far from being a boss because they do not impose their authority. Instead, they collaborate, communicating to different teams to develop and create new products. They take time to learn the personalities and values of every group, so they are able to communicate to them that they understand and this motivates them to follow their leader. So, instead of being a boss, a product manager is a leader.
So, now that you know what a product manager truly is, you can be better guided in becoming a great one or in choosing the best candidate for your company. And particularly for aspiring product managers, it won’t hurt to enroll in a product management training in New York. Whether you are a professional looking to build a career in product management or a human resource executive looking for the best applicant, keeping this information in mind would be very handy.
Michelle Rubio has been writing for SMEs across the United States, Canada, Australia and the UK for the last five years. She is a highly-experienced blogger and SEO copywriter, writing business blogs for various industries such as marketing, law, health and wellness, beauty, and education, particularly on product management training such as those offered by ProductSchool.com.