The Successful Product Manager
presented by
Christopher Cummings

The successful Product Manager...

Understands the big picture

Assesses the market

Boldly goes
where no one
has gone
before.

Gets inside customers’ heads

Seeks effective
elegant
customer-oriented solutions

Understands the problem...
...before proposing the solution

Rejects product narcissism

Searches for anomalies...
...that could lead to new opportunities

Relies on knowledge and experience...

but
trusts
their
gut

Makes hard choices

takes
calculated
risks

Strikes.
Decisively.

Knows when to get a bigger boat

Positions first.
Develops second.

Assembles the right team for the job

Provides context

Balances competing interests

Doesn’t discuss business
at the dinner table

Gives thanks.
Often, and with feeling.

Celebrates
success

Learns from mistakes

Leads

Empowers

Inspires.

Manages
Conflict

Shields
the team
from harm

Holds people accountable
Self included

Negotiates
to a point

Creates credible, fact-based
status reports

Tells a compelling story

Is politically savvy

Promotes
Transparency

searches
for
truth
Strikes.
Decisively.

Has
The
Touch

Analyzes wins and losses
Strikes.
Decisively.

Fights for the future
fights for the future

Manages the backlog

Manages
the brand

is sales friendly

Prices
effectively

Doesn’t give up

Maintains their sense of humor

Stays open to
possibilities

Has the heart
of a champion

Visit Product Management
Meets Pop Culture at
www.christophercummings.com
Follow me on Twitter at
www.twitter.com/chriscummings01

All images
copyright
and
trademark
their
respective
owners.
Squeaki Britto by Romero Britto: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianbroyles/159217048/
Jaws Ride at Universal: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianbroyles/159217048/
Marc Maron on Stage: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ianbroyles/159217048/