Project Management vs Product Management: A Flawed Conversation
Introduction
A while ago, Manager vs Leader was a common topic. There were many tables comparing what a manager does vs what a Leader did. The Leader was the clear winner. The Manager, an obvious villain with very narrow and anti-employee attributes.
This format helped in many ways. A simple comparator pushes the message far and wide.
I now see this with Project Mindset vs Product Mindset. The aim of such a comparator is to help others think bigger and wider. A noble goal indeed. However, this approach has some flaws.
It pits Project Mindset against Product Mindset. It presents Project Mindset as a narrow & short-sighted approach.
Take for example the following comparator:
Such comparisons are an example of what I call the Golden Rules of Asserting Superiority:?“Your worst?is typical of you and should define you.?My best?is typical of me and should define me.”
Flaws in this Approach
Creates a Bias Against Project Managers
The first flaw is that such comparisons immediately transfer the negativity of ‘Project Mindset’ to the people in the role of Project Managers. The title and role of Project Manager has become less desirable due to unrelated reasons.
During client consulting, I have started noticing this tread more often. More and more ex-Project Managers are moving to the title of Product Manager with minimal or no change in their responsibilities. The change in role is mostly cosmetic. This is more common in Startups and SMEs.
Role Overloading
Now that a Project Manager is a Product Manager, that person is getting over-burdened with additional tasks of a Product Manager. This is over and above the tasks of a Project Manager that have not gone away (because they are important tasks).
Effectively, there is an amalgamation of the two roles leading to additional work and pressure thereof. This is more common in Enterprises.
Devaluation of Discipline of Project Management
Project Mindset is an important part of and not inferior to Product Mindset. Few key things to keep in mind when modelling Project Mindset:
Addressing the “Versus”
Conclusion
Cross-posted at my blog: https://www.ddiinnxx.com/project-management-vs-product-management-a-flawed-conversation/
Product Leader | B2B & B2C | Saas | Director Product Management | Payments | Insurance | Logistics | Online Classifieds; MBA
2 年As per my understanding, SAFe does not define Project Manager as a role and it has morphed into the Scrum Master title where project management skills are required. IMO we should not compare titles but the mindset is the key. When you are thinking of the customer and their problems and how your solution is helping them, then we can call it a product mindset which is driven by generating tangible and meaningful value for the customer iteratively over time. However to reach there one has to build something say using a PI (Program Increment). That program increment is essentially a small project which requires excellent project management skills. So each skill set has value, essentially it is the mindset which should define you as a Project Manager or a Product Manager.
Nicely put Dinker. Coincidently just couple of hours back I was in discussion with an ex colleague on product and project mindset ?? Let me stir the hornet's nest further with my opinion - Every product is because of a project or an amalgamation of one or more projects ! Interpretations Welcome ??
Senior Director - Business Applications, Information Technology
3 年Well said! Don’t forget Program Management. The three Ps need to be in sync for the true value to be achieved, for the full promise to be delivered. Very few seem to understand the distinction.
Product Leader, Coach and strong exponent of Minimalistic experience
3 年"Your worst?is typical of you and should define you.?My best?is typical of me and should define me"....The so very common bias building mechanism, whether social or professional!! Good call out overall Dinker
CEO at Trilokana Marketing
3 年Maybe we have only product manager designates in most companies these days.