The 280 Group in Campbell, CA developed a Product Management Manifesto. It speaks to the many and varied roles of a Product Manager. I think it captures the essence of what a Product Manager thinks and feels. Please find it below in its entirety. The material is copyrighted and used with permission of 280 Group.
Product Management Manifesto
“I am a product management professional.
I am dedicated to bringing great products to market. Products that delight my customers. Products that are massively profitable for my company. Products that help change the way people work and live.
In the course of managing my products there are thousands of small decisions that must be made and tasks that must be accomplished. The sum of these can add up to a phenomenal product. I choose to own the responsibility for making this happen.
I am an expert in all areas regarding my products: customers, the market, technology, competition, channels, press, analysts, trends and anything else that must be taken into account in order to win.
I have a strong vision for my products and develop winning strategies that align with my company’s goals and ensure that our investments of times, money and energy are well-spent.
I am committed to using the best methodologies, tools, templates and techniques available to be more efficient and effective at my job.
I have a plan for my career and I will further my professional status by attending training courses, becoming certified and reading books, blogs and newsletters to learn best practices.
I am the voice of my customers and represent them in every critical decision that is made.
I am a leader. I develop strong alliances with everyone that I need to in order to ensure the success of my product. This includes sales people, engineers, support, customers, channel and business partners, management, the Board of Directors and anyone else necessary. Some of these people will be very difficult to work with, but I will find a way to make everyone successful as a team.
I refuse to settle for mediocrity and I will be tenacious and professional in my approach to getting the best possible results.
I believe that Product Management is one of the toughest, yet most rewarding jobs in the world. Thought I will face great odds and challenges I refuse to become jaded or negative.
Though I have all of the responsibility, it is highly likely I have little or no formal authority. Therefore will do whatever it takes to persuade others to do what is right for customers and my company.”
The Takeaway
Often, Product Managers have lots of responsibility but limited authority. They must use vision, drive and determination to advance their products and services toward their goals.
Over to you. What are your thoughts?
- Does the manifesto match your thoughts on Product Management?
- What would you add to the manifesto?
- What would you suggest to make Product Management more professional?
