Product management is often seen as a mystical role where a single individual holds the key to unlocking the success of a product. However, reality paints a very different picture. Many myths surround this role, often perpetuated by popular books and articles that oversimplify the complexities involved. Here, I aim to debunk the top ten myths that most resources gloss over, sharing insights from years of real-world experience.
1. Myth: The Product Manager Is the CEO of the Product
Reality: While this metaphor sounds grand, it’s far from the truth. Unlike a CEO, a product manager doesn’t have direct control over most resources, including budget, people, and technical direction. Instead, they influence without authority, aligning cross-functional teams towards a common goal. The real skill lies in negotiation and persuasion rather than command and control.
2. Myth: You Need to Know Everything about Technology
Reality: Understanding technology helps, but you don’t need to be an ex-developer to succeed as a product manager. What’s crucial is being able to speak the language of your engineers, appreciate the constraints they work within, and bridge the gap between technical and non-technical stakeholders.
3. Myth: All Product Managers Have a Defined Roadmap
Reality: While a roadmap provides a sense of direction, it’s rarely set in stone. Real-world product management involves constant adaptation to changing customer needs, market shifts, and stakeholder feedback. Success lies in managing these changes without losing sight of the overall vision.
4. Myth: Every Decision Is Based on Data
Reality: Although data-driven decision-making is ideal, it’s not always possible. Many decisions are made with incomplete data or involve balancing conflicting interests. Experience, intuition, and stakeholder input often fill the gaps where data is lacking.
5. Myth: You Need to Be an Expert in Your Industry
Reality: Industry knowledge can accelerate your learning curve, but adaptability and a strong understanding of core product principles are far more valuable. Each product and customer base is unique, and applying a fixed industry playbook can be limiting.
6. Myth: The Customer Is Always Right
Reality: While listening to customers is vital, they often describe solutions rather than the problems they face. A skilled product manager digs deeper to understand the root issues and crafts solutions that customers may not have envisioned.
7. Myth: Agile Is the Best Methodology for Every Product Team
Reality: Agile is widely adopted, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. The effectiveness of agile depends on the team’s maturity, the organisation’s culture, and the nature of the product. In some cases, hybrid approaches or even traditional methods may be more appropriate.
8. Myth: Product Managers Must Say ‘No’ Often
Reality: While focus is key, being the “No” person can erode trust and collaboration. Effective product managers learn to prioritise through context and trade-offs, presenting alternative paths rather than outright rejection.
9. Myth: The Best Ideas Always Win
Reality: Politics, timing, and organisational dynamics can heavily influence which ideas are prioritised. A good product manager understands these dynamics and champions ideas in a way that resonates with both the team and leadership.
10. Myth: The Product Manager’s Job Is Done Once the Product Is Launched
Reality: Launching a product is just the beginning. Continuous monitoring, collecting user feedback, iterating, and ensuring the product evolves with changing needs is where the real work begins. Post-launch, the product manager’s role in driving adoption and addressing new challenges is crucial.
Conclusion
Product management is far more nuanced than most textbooks suggest. It’s not about being a mini-CEO or a technical guru, but about balancing multiple perspectives and navigating complex situations with finesse. Recognising and understanding these myths can help aspiring product managers better prepare for the realities of the role.
