New PM on the Block: Conquering a Product in Mid-Flight
Vinai Mudaliar
Senior Product Owner-Delivery at Qentelli | Driving User-Centric Solutions | Passionate about Building Products that Make a Difference
Imagine this: you just scored your dream Product Manager (PM) gig, but here’s the catch — the product is already soaring through the development sky. Don’t panic! This isn’t turbulence, it’s an opportunity. Here’s how you can buckle up and become the hero of the product team:
1. Deep Dive Like a Data Detective:
Forget airport novels, your first few weeks are all about intel gathering. Chat with everyone — engineers, designers, sales — to uncover the product’s history, goals, and who its biggest fans (and foes) are. Devour documents, analyze user research, and get intimate with the product roadmap. Basically, turn yourself into a data detective to understand the “why” behind the product: what problem are we solving, and how are we making users’ lives better?
2. Befriend Your Team: High Five, Not Highjack!
Communication is key! Schedule one-on-ones with your team to learn their roles, priorities, and any hidden gremlins lurking in the product. Remember, you’re not here to take over, you’re here to collaborate. Be an active listener, soak up their insights, and build trust. Think of it as a team high five, not a highjack!
3. Embrace the User: Become a Customer Whisperer
Ever feel like customer support tickets are a black hole of frustration? Not anymore! Analyze surveys, interview users, and dive into support tickets to understand their needs, pain points, and what makes them want to tear their hair out (hopefully not because of your product!). This “voice of the customer” intel will be your secret weapon for identifying areas for improvement and making user-centric decisions.
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4. Prioritize and Plan: Launch Like a Rocket, Not a Brick
The product roadmap might look like a complex flight plan, but don’t be intimidated. Give it a critical eye: are the goals still relevant? Any roadblocks that need clearing? Now’s the time to identify “quick wins” — smaller, achievable tasks that can deliver value to users fast. Think of these wins as launching smaller rockets to test the waters before the big launch. They’ll showcase your product knowledge and ability to make a positive impact.
5. Communication is Your Copilot: Transparency Takes Flight
Let your team know your plan for learning the ropes and contributing. Keep everyone informed of your progress, findings, and any potential bumps in the road. Regular communication builds trust and ensures everyone’s on the same flight path. Remember, you’re not a lone pilot, you’ve got a whole team to help you navigate the product journey!
If you’ve successfully navigated a product mid-journey as a product manager and thrived using the strategies outlined above, then we want to hear from you!
Bonus Tip: Don’t be shy, ask questions! A curious and engaged PM is a valuable asset to any team.