Beginning a new role as a product manager can be exciting and intimidating. You're entering a role where you're supposed to lead, plan, and add value, without much direction on how to do it. The key is to come at those initial weeks with intention, balancing learning with beginning to add value. Here's how you can make it easier:
1. Learn About the Situation
Your first task should be to learn about your new position. Spend some time learning about the business, the product, and how the team functions as a unit. Some of the things you should look at are:
The product:
- What are its key features?
- Who are the customers?
- What does it fix for them?
The business:
- How does the business make money?
- What are the key business objectives at present?
The team:
- Who are the key individuals you will have to work with?
- How does the team work?
- What are the typical behaviors?
Don't make any choices until you actually do know what's happening. A good rule of thumb is to spend your first 30 days observing and asking questions.
2. Build Relationships
Your success as a product manager will depend on your skill at building relationships. Begin by building trust with:
Your team:
- Engineers, designers, and other members of the team need to see you as a collaborator, not a dictator.
Stakeholders:
- Regardless of whether it is leaders, marketing, or sales, knowing how they think will facilitate collaboration.
Customers:
- If possible, talk to real users to discover their needs and pain points.
Book one-on-one meetings to discover people's objectives, pain points, and what they are hoping for in the product—and from you.
3. Know the Numbers
Each product manager must understand what success is. Take the time to find out:
- Which numbers the company views as measures of product success
- How they translate into overall business objectives
- What data is available and where to find it
If numbers are vague or lacking, sit down with your team and clarify them.
4. Clarify Your Role
Product management can be different at different firms. In your first few weeks, make clear:
- What people expect of you in decision-making and taking charge
- How your role fits into the overall company structure
- The processes and tools you need to use
This will avoid frustrating others or duplicating effort.
5. Find Quick Wins
After you've learned some basics, look for ways to achieve small wins. Quick wins can be:
- Resolving a small but frustrating problem for users
- Prioritising a backlog to make priorities more obvious
- Sharing customer interview insights that lead to productive discussions
Quick wins allow you to build credibility while gaining momentum for bigger projects.
6. Develop a 90-Day Plan
A 90-Day plan provides you with a disciplined means of concentrating your efforts. Your plan may include:
- First 30 days: Listening, questioning, and relationship-building
- Next 30 days: Ownership of a small change to a process or project
- Last 30 days: Defining longer-term goals and suggesting a strategic project
Share your plan with your manager for feedback and alignment.
7. Be Patient With Yourself
Each new position is always a learning process. Give yourself permission to make mistakes and learn from them. Remember that establishing trust, learning the product, and providing value are processes that take time. By being inquisitive and open to transformation, you will be on the path to success.
Starting out as a product manager is an individual challenge, but it is also a time to make real differences. Through focusing on learning, building connections, and keeping on track, you will be far along toward success in your new position.