Behind Every Great Product: The Unsung Heroes

In the world of technology and innovation, it's my firm belief that behind every great product lies an unsung hero. This individual, often working tirelessly behind the scenes, leads the product team in combining technology and design to solve real customer problems while meeting the needs of the business.

These heroes often hold the title of product manager, but they might also be a startup co-founder, CEO, or someone in another role who stepped up when they saw the need. The role of a product manager is distinct from those of designers, engineers, marketers, or project managers. It requires a unique blend of skills and responsibilities that set it apart from other roles.

The Challenging Role of the Product Manager

These indispensable individuals in modern technology product teams face specific and challenging responsibilities. Contrary to what some might suggest, it is a tremendously difficult job. Anyone who claims otherwise is not doing you any favors.

The product manager role is generally a full-time commitment, with most managing to fulfill their duties only by working upwards of 60 hours a week. While it's beneficial if a designer or an engineer wants to take on the product manager's role—there are distinct advantages to having a background in design or engineering—you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer volume of work. However, if you can rise to the challenge, the results can be impressive.

Assembling Your Product Team

A typical product team consists of at least a product manager and usually between two to ten engineers. For user-facing products, you would also expect to have a product designer on your team.

There are also situations where you might need to work with engineers or designers located elsewhere or sourced from an agency or outsourcing firm. No matter how you assemble your team, the essence of this job assumes you have a dedicated team to work with you in designing, building, and delivering a successful product.

Conclusion

Behind every successful product is a dedicated product manager who brings together technology and design to solve real problems and meet business needs. This role, while challenging and often demanding long hours, is crucial in the creation of great products. Whether you are a product manager or aspire to be one, understanding the intricacies and rewards of this role is essential for success.