A Year’s Resolution: Stepping up my game as a Product Manager
Here's my list of resolutions for 2024 to be a better Product Manager.
As I start this New Year, I can't help but reflect on the past; the triumphs, the setbacks, the constant learning and, importantly, the unlearning too! And to be honest, as a Product Manager, it's been nothing short of a roller-coaster ride.
Writing a newsletter, has also given rise to a sense of responsibility and an urge to improve. So, as I roll up my sleeves for another thrilling year, I wanted to share my resolutions for the coming year – an outline for personal growth!
Resolution #1: It does not have to be perfect. Just do it!
Since a couple of months ago, I started to train harder with the help of Apple Fitness+ and so I had to upgrade my gear, I became a fan of Nike. But their slogan never resemble to me until I reflected of my achievements and regrets as a PM in my job during 2023.
There were situations where I would like to say things differently or to be more brave to just simple do activities without overthinking them. That includes regretting things I didn’t try for the newsletter or doing more public speaking.
This year I’ll make the “Just do it” part of my work and, almost, everything that helps me thrive as a professional!
Resolution #2: Focus on the user (even more!)
Users define our products, and their insights shape our strategies. Yet sometimes, I have found myself inadvertently prioritizing business over users. This is because, many organization rely too much on their operations and they continue working on this loop until an external cause shakes the floor.
In 2023, my primary resolution is to refocus on who our products are for - our users. I intend to dig deeper into user analytics, conduct extensive yet fruitful user interviews, and strive towards user-centered design and decision making.
Resolution #3: Open up to active learning
In a fast-paced, tech-driven world, mastering the capacity to learn is more critical than ever. This year, I want to ingrain lifelong learning into my daily routine. I think the key for me it’ll be generating different routines for the morning, breaks and nightfall. Something easily to perform and that provides me enough insights in short time.
On the other hand, there’s other aspects I want to improve: comes down to active listening, asking thoughtful questions, seeking feedback, and, most importantly, embracing failure as an opportunity to grow. Additionally, I plan to pick up a relevant certification course and engage in online forums of Product Managers worldwide.
In addition to this, I subscribed to Lenny’s newsletter. I’ve been following his advice from years now and I really enjoy the podcast, so I’ll see if this paid subscription adds more value to my career this year.
Resolution #4: Embrace data-driven decisions
While instinct and experience have their place in decision making, data continues to prove itself as an invaluable tool. My plan is to further improve my analytical skills, instill a habit of performing A/B testing to validate hypotheses (or any other), and leverage analytics tools to make well-informed decisions and build successful products.
Resolution #5: Cultivate emotional intelligence
Being a Product Manager is not just about managing products, but also about managing people. As I navigate my way through complex dynamics involving design, engineering, marketing, and senior leadership teams, I realize the power of Emotional Intelligence (EQ). So, this year my aim is to be more empathetic, improve my communication and negotiation skills, and foster resilience.
If you have a course or workshop that I should take this year, let me know in the comments!
Resolution #6: Prioritize work-life balance
While it’s easy to get swept up in the demanding life of a PM, I want to make a conscious effort to avoid burnout by having a better work-life harmony. After all, to sustain creativity and maintain focus, a balanced mind is as essential as vigorous dedication.
To achieve this, I’ll start the year with a fresh reading from Ali Abdaal. He recently launched a book to make productivity feel joyful and playful, not boring and complicated. I'm really excited to see how this will help me achieve my goals for 2024.
I’m actually attending his workshop also, so if you’re interesting in it here’s the link
Ali’s Annual Reflection & Goal-Setting Method
Resolution #7: Challenge status quo
Finally, I want to develop the courage to challenge the status quo even more. My aspiration is to continue pushing boundaries, encouraging innovative thinking, and promoting an open culture that enables my team and me to question, discover, and improve.
In conclusion, this New Year’s resolution is about creating a better version of myself as a Product Manager and a writer. It's to remain grounded, adaptable, and, most importantly, student-like in my approach, open to constant learning and growth.
I want to close citing one great dialogue from the The Boy and the Heron film by Studio Ghibli director Hayao Miyazaki. If you haven't seen the movie, don't worry, I won't spoil it for you!
"I am dying soon and the fabric of my reality is coming apart; you can follow in my footsteps and try to control everything until the bitter end, or accept that life is chaos and you can only control some things so try to enjoy what you can."
This beautiful quote resonated in me. As there is chaos in life, there’s chaos at work. As a PM, trying to control everything is a huge mistake. Something that can lead to dissatisfaction from your peers or superiors, and even hatred from your own team. This reflection may deserve a deeper post! For my part, I’ll make sure to enjoy the 2024 trip and try to control only what I can.
I really wish your start of the New Year is going so well. Here's to a brighter, more innovative year ahead for all of you! 🥂 May we continue to bring value and inspire each other along the way!
What are you New Year’s resolutions? What would you achieve this year? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for sharing those. I think I'm adding #4 in my next job, sometimes it's hard to get persuasive data in the middle of the operation or the chaos of design flow. Wish you another challenging but rewarding year!!
Nice list of resolutions - I especially like #1 and #7. Ali Abdaal's book sounds great!