As a product manager, I want to align with my manager’s expectations so that I can confidently handle requests and succeed in a product manager role.
1:42 - Meet Jeff and his big question for product managers: "How can we ensure we have the right understanding from our leaders?"
4:30 - Ryan emphasizes the importance of focusing on outcomes over outputs to clarify product manager responsibilities.
7:35 - Todd jokes about where their "outputs over outcomes" tattoo should go.
9:20 - Ryan urges product managers to seek clarity when they don’t understand the "why" behind a request.
10:30 - Todd shares a story from his LA Times days on asking for clarification from his boss.
15:12 - The group discusses how product managers can overcomplicate unclear requests.
16:00 - Joe suggests playing the "New Guy" card when in doubt.
19:00 - The team highlights that asking questions is a strength for a product manager, not a weakness.
23:35 - Ryan poses the question: Is there ever a time when product managers shouldn't ask for clarification?
24:28 - Joe shares a story about when he had to "bite his tongue" as a product manager.
26:30 - Todd adds that timing is everything; knowing when to ask is part of the product manager job.
30:00 - Joe discusses the role evolution from order-taker to partner for a product manager.
33:26 - Todd revisits Jeff’s story to highlight the importance of avoiding wasted time and resources on misaligned products.
34:30 - Joe shares a product manager tip: develop internal personas to better manage stakeholders and understand their goals.
35:20 - A lightning round on common requests that product managers initially misunderstood.
36:40 - The infamous "JIRA-slinging ticket monkey" term makes an appearance. Shoutout to Dean Peters!
38:46 - Key takeaways (and some friendly teasing of Joe for his wording choices).