• Clarifying Unclear Product Manager Requests

  • Nov 12 2024
  • Length: 41 mins
  • Podcast

Clarifying Unclear Product Manager Requests

  • Summary

  • 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).

    Help keep the Product Porch lights on by giving at Patreon.com/TheProductPorch.

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