Communication
Why active listening matters
In his Medium article, "Stop Talking, Start Listening" (April 25, 2017) Adrian Zombrunnen wrote “Good designers are good listeners. They start by understanding, not solving.”
I believe the same could/should be said about product managers. Listening is not just UX's job. And active listening is a skill that can be practiced and perfected. So the next time you're looking to "upskill," might I recommend checking out some content on active listening. It'll return dividends in your work with clients and your colleagues.
What have you learned from actively listening to clients?
Watch the video below for a quick snack about what I learned from kids about listening:
The art of saying "no"
NO. It's amazing how such a tiny word can have such a major impact.
It can make those who deliver it feel powerful and in control.
It can make the receiver upset.
Think about a toddler. They love to tell you "no", but they certainly don't want to hear it.
As product managers, we will inevitably need to say it and let someone down at some point. It's just a fact of life. So why does it cause such consternation - whether it's between leadership and the PM, between sales and the PM, between clients and the PM - someone is bound to come out with some ruffled feathers.
What tactics have helped you to effectively say "no"? What keeps you from saying "no"?
Watch the video below for a quick snack about what I learned from kids about priorities and saying no:
The art of product storytelling
Marty Cagan of the Silicon Valley Product Group is famously credited with referring to the product manager as the "chief product evangelist." When I hear the term "evangelist" my mind goes to examples like the Rev. Billy Graham or the movie "Leap of Faith" with Steve Martin. Both of these examples depict "evangelists" as highly charismatic communicators creating a fervor among followers with their message. However, telling stories about your product isn't all about creating hype.
I learned how to tell a good story from my dad, and somehow have been able to carry that super power with me throughout my life. Much of it happens without a thought, but I've tried to articulate some of my key principles for product storytelling here:
Engagement - know your audience and engage them through visuals and content that matters most to them (storytelling is not one-size fits all)
Authenticity - highlight the unique value your team adds to the way you approach your product and the problem it solves
Kindness - you and your product do not look better when you tear down others; be generous with your complements and give credit where its due
Watch the video below for a quick snack about what I learned from the Muppets about storytelling: