Product 101
A broad introduction to Product Management
Why do Product Managers exist?
Product Managers (PMs) play a critical role in ensuring that teams build products that solve real problems for users while aligning with business goals. As Marty Cagan, author of INSPIRED, EMPOWERED, and TRANSFORMED, puts it:
“Product Managers empower teams to build products that solve real problems for our users in ways our customers love, yet work for our business.”
This simple yet powerful statement highlights the dual responsibility of a PM—to champion the needs of users while driving business success. In this post, we’ll break down the core pillars of product management: Research, Strategy, and Tactics, each essential to mastering the product development process.
Research: Laying the Foundation
In our follow-up post on Research, we will explore how effective product management begins with gathering information and insights about users, data, the business, and the industry. Understanding these key areas provides the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making and fuels innovation.
Read more about Research at Product Pillar 1: Research
Strategy: Defining the Path Forward
Next, in our post on Strategy, we will discuss the importance of thinking strategically after gathering insights. This section will cover how to understand the problem at hand, align with business goals, prioritize effectively, and focus on user needs, ultimately creating a roadmap for success.
Read more about Strategy at Product Pillar 2: Strategy
Tactics: Turning Plans into Action
Finally, our post on Tactics will highlight how to turn strategic plans into actionable steps. We'll delve into the critical role of providing teams with the context they need to make informed recommendations, the importance of discovery and delivery, and how to validate solutions to ensure they meet user and business needs.
Read more about Tactics at Product Pillar 3: Tactics
Conclusion
Product management is a balancing act between user needs, business goals, and innovative solutions. By following the core steps of research, strategy, and tactics, product managers can lead teams to build products that truly make an impact. With a focus on insights, strategic thinking, and continuous validation, PMs empower teams to solve meaningful problems, ultimately driving both user satisfaction and business success.
