Can you describe your role in a sentence? (What the F is a product manager?)
I had trouble explaining what product managers do when I was in Taiwan 🤦
Explaining what a product manager does can be surprisingly challenging, especially for those unfamiliar with the tech industry. When I returned to Taiwan, I found myself often stumped when people asked about my job. Responses like "Do you sell products?" or "What kind of products?" made me realize that the role is like an alien…
So, what is Product Management?
At its core, product management involves overseeing a product's development from conception to launch and beyond. In large tech companies like Google, Amazon, and Facebook, product managers (PMs) are responsible for virtual products—websites, apps, and digital platforms—rather than physical items. They act as the bridge between the user needs and the company's business goals.
What does a Product Manager do, in general?
At its core, a product manager is a middle person—a bridge between different stakeholders. We need to understand user needs and business objectives, then align them in a way that makes sense for everyone involved (including software developers, UX designers/researchers, marketers, sales, etc). Major themes include:
Identifying User Needs: PMs conduct extensive research to understand what users want and need. This involves data analysis, user interviews, and observing user interactions with the product.
Aligning with Business Objectives: They ensure that the product aligns with the company's strategic goals, including revenue targets, market share, and brand positioning.
Developing/Executing Product Strategy: PMs formulate a roadmap for the product's development, prioritizing features, etc.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: They work closely with designers, engineers, marketers, and other stakeholders to bring the product to life.
Managing the Product Lifecycle: From launch to updates, PMs oversee the product's performance, making adjustments based on user feedback and market trends.
But the role varies vastly across different companies…
I've come to realize that the reason it's so hard to explain what a product manager does is that the role varies widely from one company to another—even from one team to another within the same company. In some places, product managers are essentially project managers (so not ideal 👎), focusing solely on timelines and deliverables. In others, they're strategic leaders involved in everything from user research to go-to-market strategies. General categorization:
Tech Giants: In companies with established product management cultures, PMs are deeply involved in strategy and user research.
Traditional Corporations: … (look at the thumbs down above)
Startups: PMs often wear multiple hats, like chameleons, from conducting market research to hands-on testing.
Why Product Management has its place (that project management cannot fill)
Understanding the nuances of the product manager role isn't just about being able to answer that awkward question at parties. It's about recognizing the impact we have on creating products that people love and that drive business success. It's about bridging gaps—between users and technology, between different teams, and between ideas and execution.
My ongoing journey
So here I am, still figuring it out but more aware than ever of the value a product manager brings. It's a role that requires continuous learning, adaptability 🦎, and a healthy dose of humility. And maybe next time someone asks me what I do, I'll be better prepared to give them an answer that does the role justice.
If you've ever struggled to explain your job or if you're curious about product management, I'd love to hear from you!
Thanks for reading 🙏