Creating an atmosphere of excellence, a sanctuary for productivity, and an arena for innovation, these are the by-products of an exceptional team. But how do we sculpt such a team? The essence is in the art of selection, in the wisdom to choose the right individuals for the right roles. It begins with understanding the quintessential attributes of a Product Manager, recognizing their impact, and meticulously devising a method to measure these traits.
Patrick Lencioni's 'The Ideal Team Player' provides a powerful model, a kind of blueprint, for recognizing a strong Product Manager, or indeed, any team member. He suggests three fundamental attributes: humility, hunger, and intelligence.
To understand these characteristics in a Product Manager, imagine them as a multifaceted gemstone, with four faces:
- Discipline & Practice
- Culture & Behaviour
- Thought & Problem-Solving
- Communication
Each face reflects its own unique colour, forming the full spectrum of the Product Manager.
On the first face, we look for boldness, an insatiable hunger, and self-motivation. The individuals we need are not mere followers of trends; they are trailblazers, pioneers, creators of their own success. Their audacity to set lofty goals, discover ingenious solutions, and embrace transformation defines them. Gauge their diligence in meetings, their follow-through on tasks, and instances where they have leapt beyond the boundaries of their role.
The second face reflects a hunger for knowledge, a vibrant curiosity that drives their culture and behavior. They should exude a sincere interest in broadening their knowledge and generously sharing their discoveries with others. Their reading list, podcasts they're engrossed in, their dedication to lifelong learning, these are windows into their intellectual fervor.
The third face highlights their resilience and a growth mindset. These individuals should demonstrate an unwavering commitment to results, an indefatigable spirit that does not bow to obstacles. Ask about their past encounters with failure, their strategies for handling setbacks, and their overall philosophy of problem-solving.
The fourth face represents intelligence, the ability to think critically, simplify complex concepts, and stimulate thoughtful discussions. Our ideal Product Managers are able to weave together different fields, effectively employ metaphors and analogies, and exhibit sharp cognitive abilities. Look into their problem-solving techniques, their capacity to connect disparate ideas, and their knack for managing complex subjects.
Humility, as an attribute, is deeply engraved in their culture and behavior. A humble Product Manager acknowledges their strengths and weaknesses, suppresses personal ambitions for the greater good, and respects diverse perspectives. Evaluate their self-awareness, their response to feedback, and their interactions with others to assess their humility.
Integrity and honesty define their communication style. They should be reliable, honor commitments, and provide candid feedback. Past encounters with honesty, their approach to giving feedback, and their consistency in keeping commitments serve as indicators of these traits.
Finally, remember to consider other attributes like positivity, customer-focus, business acumen, and attention to detail. Design interview questions that bring these traits into the limelight.
To choose the right Product Manager is to evaluate them across all these facets, to find a congruence between these traits and the unique requirements of your organization. By crafting insightful interview methods and asking thought-provoking questions, we can make informed decisions and build a dream team of highly competent Product Managers.
