We’re officially kicking off a thrilling voyage into the dynamic realm of technical product management. As we dive into this intricate and exhilarating world, we’re digging into the nitty-gritty with the essential 5 Ws of general product management:
- Who is a product manager?
- What are the core responsibilities of a product manager?
- When is having a product manager crucial?
- Where does a product manager fit into the enterprise org chart?
- Why is having a product manager important?
Who’s Steering the Ship?
In the dynamic mix of industries and companies, a product manager (PM) is like the captain of the ship. Unlike traditional bosses or managers, nobody directly reports to them. Instead, they act like conductors, making sure what customers want aligns with the big business picture. Their job is simple – lay out the plan for a product or feature and get a diverse team excited to make it happen. So as you can imagine, communication with different interested parties that are associated with a product (aka the stakeholders) is a key part of the job.
The Communication Conundrum
Now, let’s delve a bit deeper into communication in the area of product management. Communication isn’t just a part of the job – it’s the backbone of effective product management. As we explore the dynamic world of technical product management, we’ll dedicate a future post to the core responsibilities of a product manager, zooming in on the intricacies of this critical role. However, it’s worth noting here that communication forms a cornerstone because, without it, the entire product management process would very quickly fall apart.
Imagine a scenario where team members are islands, isolated from each other in their tasks, or where the grand vision of a product gets lost in translation. Effective communication ensures that everyone is on the same page, working collaboratively toward shared goals. It’s the glue that binds together the diverse skill sets within a team, fostering an environment where ideas flow freely, feedback is constructive, and the path to success is well-lit.
There are many different types of product managers, and there seems to be a new one every day. But one that has been making a lot of noise, and I have been working as for a while is the “technical product manager.” So now that we’ve covered some of the basics of who a product manager is, let’s dive a bit deeper into the role of a Technical Product Manager.
Meet the Tech Guru
Think of a Technical Product Manager as a craftsperson, blending technology with product development. Here’s what they do:
- Tech and Strategy Mixers: They navigate the tech world while keeping an eye on the big product goals, acting as the go-between for code nerds and business buffs.
- Communication Whizzes: Great at talking tech without making your head spin, Technical Product Managers translate complex details into everyday language.
- Team Coordinators: Collaboration is their jam. They bring together developers, designers, business folks – making sure everyone’s on the same page and working toward a common goal.
- Decision Makers: With a solid grip on tech, they’re the ones making smart decisions that fit the product vision and the tech side of things.
Let’s take a moment to expand on the second point since technical communication or “technical mixology,” is one of the key tasks of a Technical Product Manager.
Imagine a tech team is developing a robust encryption feature for a company’s messaging app. The developers are deeply engrossed in discussions about encryption algorithms, end-to-end encryption, and secure key management. Now, enter the Technical Product Manager who needs to convey the significance of this feature to a non-technical stakeholder, say, the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
Tech Speak:
- Developers: “We’re implementing AES-256 for end-to-end encryption, and the key management protocol follows a hybrid model with RSA and ECC.”
Translation by the Technical Product Manager: “We’re super excited about the new security upgrade we’re adding to our messaging app. Think of it like this – we’re using this super-strong lock called AES-256 to keep all our messages safe from any prying eyes. And, we’ve got this smart way of managing the ‘keys’ to the lock using a combination of RSA and ECC, kind of like having two keys for extra security.”
Why It Matters: The Technical Product Manager’s translation serves a crucial purpose. The CMO might not be versed in the intricacies of encryption algorithms, but they understand the importance of keeping user data secure. By framing the technical details in a relatable analogy, the Technical Product Manager ensures that the non-technical stakeholder grasps the value of the feature without drowning in technical jargon.
This ability to bridge the gap between the technical and non-technical realms is what makes the Technical Product Manager an indispensable part of the product management orchestra. They not only understand the technology but also excel in communicating its significance to stakeholders with varying degrees of technical expertise.
Why Do They Matter?
Now, let’s chat about why having these tech-savvy product managers is a big deal. Imagine a world without them – tech teams and business units speaking entirely different languages, projects feeling like ships without a captain, and products missing the mark. Technical Product Managers are the behind-the-scenes actors, making sure the tech gears run smoothly with the bigger business picture.
So here’s a challenge for you! Drop a comment below and share your thoughts on the role of Technical Product Manager. Ever witnessed the magic of aligning tech and strategy seamlessly? Let’s continue the conversation! As we delve into this blog series, we’re not just exploring the technical intricacies – we’re uncovering the heart of effective product management.