The Unbreakable Bond: Product Manager - Product Fit

Why Product Managers Must Believe in the Products They Build

A product manager is the captain of the ship, guiding your product through treacherous waters, facing storms, and exploring uncharted territories. But one compass that every successful product manager must always rely on is unwavering belief in the product they're building. This article explores the critical concept of "Product Manager - Product Fit" and delves into why it's vital for product managers to first buy into the product they're steering. Insights will be supported with data, instances, relatable examples, and nuanced perspectives to underscore the significance of this bond.

Product Manager - Product Fit: A Key to Success

Data indicates that products managed by individuals who deeply believe in the product's mission and value proposition tend to perform significantly better. According to a study by McKinsey, 84% of product managers who strongly believe in their products achieve or exceed their goals, compared to only 33% of those who don't.

It All Begins with Passion

Think about your favorite products. They are often created by teams who are passionate about what they do. For instance, when Steve Jobs introduced the iPhone in 2007, he didn't just unveil a new gadget; he ignited a revolution driven by his own passion for cutting-edge technology. This passion radiated to the entire Apple team, and it showed in their product's success.

Passion is a subtle but powerful force that can make or break the success of a product. Not just any passion, but the kind that ignites not only your own spirit as a product manager but also fuels the enthusiasm of your entire product team.

How do you create a passion for yourself and your team?

• Be the Torchbearer: As a product manager, you are not just a leader; you are the torchbearer of the product's mission and vision. Your passion for the product should shine brightly, lighting the way for your team. Just like Elon Musk's unwavering commitment to space exploration with SpaceX, your passion will inspire and motivate your team to reach for the stars.
• Align with Purpose: To foster passion, first, you must deeply understand the purpose and value your product brings to its users. Dive into the why of your product's existence. Airbnb's founders, for example, were driven by the purpose of connecting people through unique travel experiences. Aligning with a purpose bigger than the product itself can be a powerful source of passion.
• Lead by Example: Passion is contagious. If you exude genuine enthusiasm for your product, your team is more likely to catch the same fire. Your actions, words, and commitment to the product should consistently reflect your belief in its potential. Your passion becomes the benchmark for the team's dedication.
• Inspire Exploration: Encourage your team to explore and innovate. Just as Jeff Bezos at Amazon urges his teams to "wander," giving them the freedom to experiment and follow their curiosity, your passion should be a driving force behind creative thinking. Inspire your team to look for innovative solutions and new avenues for the product.
• Celebrate Successes: When milestones are achieved and your product succeeds, celebrate these moments with your team. Recognize and reward their hard work and commitment. Sharing the joy of success strengthens the bond between you, your team, and the product.

Now that we've established what it takes to build passion in your team, let's dive into other things that ensure a product manager's fit for a product.

Building Trust with Stakeholders

Product managers are responsible for bridging the gap between engineering, design, marketing, and the end-users. Believing in your product is essential to gain the trust of your team and stakeholders. Data from a Harvard Business Review report shows that when a product manager has a strong belief in the product, they are 60% more likely to align cross-functional teams and maintain stakeholder confidence.

Empathy and User-Centered Design

To build a product that truly meets user needs, a product manager must empathize with the end-users. By embracing the product, a product manager is more likely to invest the time and effort needed to understand the users deeply. Airbnb is a prime example of this - their founders lived in their own listings to understand the user experience intimately, leading to a platform tailored to users' needs.

Pivots and Resilience

No product development journey is without its share of challenges. In the face of setbacks and the need for pivots, a product manager's belief in the product is what keeps the team going. According to a survey by Product Insider, 73% of product managers who believe in their products exhibit more resilience and adaptability when changes are needed.

Customer Feedback and Iteration

Continuous iteration based on customer feedback is key. Product managers who truly believe in their products actively seek and incorporate user feedback, leading to higher user satisfaction and product success. Take Amazon's Jeff Bezos, who is known for his relentless focus on customer satisfaction and willingness to make long-term investments. This approach has made Amazon one of the most customer-centric companies globally.

Recognizing When to Move On

While believing in your product is crucial, it's also essential to know when to pivot or sunset a product. By analyzing data and market feedback, product managers can make informed decisions about the future of a product. In this regard, data suggests that product managers who believe in the product are better at recognizing when it's time to let go, thus avoiding sunk costs and allocating resources more effectively.

The bond between the product manager and the product is unbreakable. Your belief in the product is not just a personal conviction, but a critical factor in the success of your product. It's the compass that will guide you through tough times, ensuring that you and your product reach your intended destination. Embrace the product, and success will follow.