How do you co-create with other product managers?

1 Build trust and rapport

The foundation of co-creation is trust and rapport, which requires establishing a positive and respectful relationship with other product managers. To do so, it's important to communicate frequently and transparently, using the channels and tools that work best for both parties. Additionally, show genuine interest in their products, goals, challenges, and customers. Acknowledge their expertise and contributions, and ask for their opinions and advice. You should also share your own challenges, learnings, and successes while inviting their input and support. All of these steps will help build trust and rapport.

2 Define the scope and goals

Before beginning the process of co-creating, it is essential to define the scope and goals of the collaboration. You must consider what problem you are trying to solve or opportunity you are aiming to take advantage of, who the target customers or users are and their needs, pain points, and preferences, what the desired outcomes and benefits for the customers and business are, how you will measure success and impact of your co-creation, and finally, what roles and responsibilities each product manager has as well as how communication and coordination will be handled.

3 Use co-creation methods and tools

When collaborating with other product managers, there are various co-creation methods and tools that can be used, depending on the stage and purpose. For example, co-ideation methods like brainstorming or mind mapping can help generate and explore ideas together. Co-design methods such as sketching or wireframing can be used to visualize and test ideas. Co-validation methods like user testing or surveys are beneficial for gathering feedback and insights from customers or users. Finally, co-delivery methods such as agile or kanban are useful for planning and executing development and launch activities.

4 Embrace diversity and inclusion

Co-creation is an opportunity to leverage the diversity and inclusion of different product managers. You can benefit from the various backgrounds, perspectives, skills, and experiences of the other product managers to create more inclusive and accessible products or services for your customers or users. To do this, it is important to understand and appreciate the different viewpoints and approaches of the other product managers without making assumptions or judgments. Additionally, you should encourage and support the participation and contribution of all product managers, so that everyone has a voice in the co-creation process. Finally, celebrate and acknowledge the differences and similarities of the other product managers while recognizing the value and impact of your co-creation.

5 Learn and improve

Co-creation is a learning and improvement process that can help you develop your skills, knowledge, and practices. To learn and improve, you should ask for and provide constructive and actionable feedback, and use it to refine your co-creation. Additionally, you should reflect on the lessons learned, best practices, and challenges of your co-creation to inform future collaborations. Finally, it is important to share the results and outcomes of your co-creation with stakeholders and customers to receive feedback and suggestions.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?