Just lately, a Reddit thread began an in depth dialog in a product administration group I’m a part of. It highlighted an alarming new pattern in our subject — the imbalance between discovery and execution.
In my opinion — within the zeal to innovate and strategize, the pendulum has swung too far towards the invention finish of the spectrum. Whereas exploring new concepts and hypotheses is undoubtedly important, it has overshadowed the equally vital side of execution. These days, if a product supervisor is extra into getting issues carried out, they may really feel like they should do one thing extra grand.
This shift fosters a tradition the place the tangible supply of options and problem-solving is sidelined, making a disconnect between product managers and the organizational targets. We must always all keep in mind that our values lie in enterprise outcomes.
Though it was fairly sarcastic, the Reddit publish is like an alarm bell for the trade. It highlights the rising frustration amongst product managers who work on execution as if it’s one thing that shouldn’t occur. This state of affairs is particularly prevalent in small startups, the place the CEO is closely concerned within the product, and the main target is extra on techniques and fast execution fairly than long-term technique.
Nonetheless, it’s essential to keep in mind that product administration is just not a binary subject the place one has to decide on between technique and techniques. It’s a delicate dance between discovery and execution. Each components are integral to the profitable administration and improvement of a product.
Product managers ought to attempt to keep up a harmonious steadiness between the 2, guaranteeing that the thrill of discovery is complemented by the satisfaction of seeing a mission by way of to completion. This balanced method fosters a tradition of accountability and progress and ensures that product managers are aligned with the broader organizational targets, thereby garnering higher appreciation from administration.
