As a PM, Are You for the Management or for the Team?

As a Product Manager (PM), you often find yourself in a unique and sometimes challenging position, balancing the needs and expectations of both management and the team. This dual allegiance can create a complex dynamic, but it's crucial for the success of the product and the well-being of the team. So, are you for the management or for the team? The answer is both, and here's why.

For the Management

Your role as a PM involves translating the strategic vision and business goals set by the management into actionable plans. This means:

• Ensuring that the product aligns with the company’s overall strategy and objectives.

• Regularly updating management on progress, challenges, and successes. This requires transparency and clear communication.

Management relies on you to deliver a product that drives growth, meets market demands, and contributes to the company’s bottom line. All these need to be done within the timeline agreed upon. Your ability to communicate effectively with management and demonstrate how the product aligns with their vision is critical.

For the Team

On the flip side, you are also the advocate and leader of your product team. This entails:

• Providing the team with a clear product vision and well-defined goals to guide their work.

• Identifying and addressing any barriers that might impede the team’s progress, whether they are technical, logistical, or interpersonal.

• Creating an environment that encourages teamwork, innovation, and open communication.

Your team looks to you for direction, support, and motivation. You must ensure they have the resources, information, and encouragement they need to succeed.

How Then Can We Balance The Two

To be honest, I am also still a work in progress. Balancing the needs of management and the team is no small feat, but it is essential for a successful PM. Here are some strategies I’ve realised to manage this balance effectively:

1. Transparent Communication

With Management: Keep management informed with regular updates on the product’s progress, including both achievements and challenges. Be honest about what is realistic and what isn’t.

With the Team: Communicate the rationale behind management’s decisions and how they impact the product. This helps the team understand the bigger picture and stay motivated.

2. Prioritise Wisely

Align Goals: Ensure that the team’s goals are aligned with the company’s strategic objectives. This alignment makes it easier to justify decisions and prioritise tasks.

Flexibility: Be prepared to adjust priorities based on feedback from both management and the team. Flexibility is key to navigating changing demands and constraints.

3. Advocate for the Team

Advocate for the necessary resources, tools, and time the team needs to deliver quality work. This might involve negotiating with management to ensure the team isn’t overburdened.

Recognition and Support: Highlight the team’s achievements to management. Recognize their hard work and contributions, and ensure they feel valued and supported.

4. Manage Expectations

Realistic Timelines: Set realistic timelines and manage expectations on both sides. Avoid overpromising to management or setting unrealistic deadlines for the team. This is actually very important.

Clear Boundaries: Define clear boundaries for what can and cannot be done within a given timeframe or with available resources. This helps prevent burnout and maintains morale.

5. Foster a Collaborative Culture

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Encourage collaboration between different departments and functions. This not only helps in aligning goals but also in understanding different perspectives and constraints.

Empowerment: Empower your team to take ownership of their work and make decisions within their domain. This fosters a sense of responsibility and commitment.

Whew, you made it to the end! Thanks for hanging in there. I'm Oluwatobi, a Product Manager and Designer. This is actually my first attempt at writing PM wisdom, so I hope it wasn't too confusing. I'm dedicating myself to sharing what I've learned so far on this product management journey, hoping to help future and fellow product managers along the way. If you also have any PM tips for me, feel free to leave a comment below!

In the meantime, follow me on LinkedIn and Hashnode to stay tuned for upcoming articles. Chat with you soon! 😎