What strategic thinking skills do early career product developers need?

1 Vision and alignment

One of the first strategic thinking skills that early career product developers need is the ability to define and communicate a clear vision for their product. A vision is a statement of what the product aims to achieve, who it serves, and how it differs from competitors. A vision helps to align the product development team, stakeholders, and users around a common purpose and direction. To create a vision, product developers need to understand the problem they are solving, the value proposition they are offering, and the market opportunity they are pursuing.

4 Experimentation and iteration

A fourth strategic thinking skill that early career product developers need is the ability to experiment and iterate. Experimentation is the process of testing and validating ideas, hypotheses, or assumptions with real or potential users. Iteration is the process of refining and improving the product based on the feedback and results from experimentation. Experimentation and iteration help to reduce risks, increase learning, and enhance user satisfaction and adoption. To experiment and iterate, product developers need to use methods, techniques, and tools, such as prototyping, MVP, or A/B testing.

5 Evaluation and learning

A fifth strategic thinking skill that early career product developers need is the ability to evaluate and learn. Evaluation is the process of measuring and assessing the performance, impact, and outcomes of the product. Learning is the process of extracting and applying the lessons, insights, and recommendations from evaluation. Evaluation and learning help to track progress, identify strengths and weaknesses, and inform future decisions and actions. To evaluate and learn, product developers need to use metrics, indicators, and tools, such as OKRs, KPIs, or analytics.

6 Collaboration and influence

A sixth strategic thinking skill that early career product developers need is the ability to collaborate and influence. Collaboration is the process of working with others, such as team members, stakeholders, or users, to achieve a shared goal or outcome. Influence is the process of persuading or convincing others, such as managers, investors, or customers, to support or adopt the product. Collaboration and influence help to leverage the diverse skills, perspectives, and resources of others, and to build trust, rapport, and buy-in. To collaborate and influence, product developers need to use skills, strategies, and tools, such as communication, negotiation, or storytelling.

7 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?