Product Management is not for you if you don’t like these 7 things

Everyone in tech thinks they would be a great PM. Here’s a no BS list of things that you gotta ask yourself before pursuing this path.

Photo by Romson Preechawit on Unsplash

Product Management is not for you if:

1. You are scared of code or new software tools: You don’t have to know how to code well, but it can’t scare you to sit with an engineering team and discuss how things will get built, understand how the tech stack works and how things will scale. In the same breath, if you’re not the type who likes to try new apps, or software features because you don’t like buggy early experiences, you might not be the type who can help your team take a simple idea from concept to beta through iterations to a delightful product.
2. You’re used to authority, you don’t like asking for help: No one needs to do what you ask, and your product success entirely depends on them wanting to build with you. PMs are loved if they can be humble but still assertive because they can represent the customers’ needs while respecting the team’s limitations. Remember — you lead by influence, not authority. There’s power in that. Also remember, sometimes people will say no, and that’s ok. Tenacity is a great skill, but remember when to push for a yes and when to say “I understand, thank you for considering it anyway”.