The evolution of Product Management
Pat Jenakanandhini
Chief Product Officer | Chief Technology Officer | Executive Leader | Software Product Management | Engineering Leadership
The role of product management in software development has long been misunderstood. The digital transformation underway is also fundamentally transforming the role of product managers. McKinsey provides a very good overview of the changes that have already happened and how organizations should be getting ready for the future. Product managers for the digital world
It's a great read and I thought I would share some of my thoughts on this topic.
Any company with aspirations becoming a SaaS company has to be taking a look at their product managers and understanding if they have the right mix of skill set and if their products are ready to provide the kind of analytics that will be needed for making decisions.
Some questions any executive leadership team should be asking themselves:
- Is your company ready?
- Do you have the right mix in your PM team?
- Is your product ready to provide analytics?
The article continues to layout the case for how should organizations be looking at product managers. One of the points mentioned in the McKinsey article is the need for constant learning the product management role. As I was reading the article, I found myself vigorously nodding in agreement. During my career at Autodesk, I had the opportunity to witness first hand many types of product managers including being one myself. The most effective ones were people who had a wealth of experience to draw from and not just be a subject matter expert on their particular product.
Currently, at BlueCielo, we are in the midst of a transformation. The transformation involves technology, business and people. Product managers are a key part of that transformation. We are investing in our people and bringing in new talent. The key trait I look for in a product manager is enthusiasm & desire to learn. Change is the constant and being able to adapt and learn allows product managers to thrive. Organizations would be well served in supporting and encouraging product managers to be constantly learning.
Experienced Product Manager, looking for a new position. Expertise in launching SaaS products/services in startup and corporate settings. I love building software with talented teams that customers and users value.
7yThe McKinsey article is pretty much spot on. Far too many companies see PMs as glorified project managers. When they are looking for new talent, they primarily look for subject matter expertise. As you say, a PM's willingness to learn, especially learning from customers, is key.