FUN FACT:
You can see memories. Neuroscientists can now watch a memory firing, pinpoint where it lives in the brain - and even tell if it’s a good or bad one. Researchers have found that emotional memories are physically distinct from other types of brain cells - and distinct from each other. Positive and negative memories are stored in different parts of the hippocampus, communicate differently, and have distinct molecular machinery.
Here's a provocative statement to kick things off: If you're a product manager spending most of your time in big meetings or drowning in email, you're doing product management wrong. Intrigued? Let's dive in.
In an era where artificial intelligence is reshaping every aspect of our lives, it's easy to get caught up in the technology hype. But as product managers and leaders, we must remember that our most valuable skills aren't found in algorithms or data sets – they're inherently human.
Human Skills: The New Soft Skills
I was recently a guest on the podcast "No More Mondays" with Angie Callen, where she used the term "human skills" instead of "soft skills." I loved it so much, I had to steal it. In a world increasingly dominated by AI, emphasizing uniquely human attributes is not just important – it's crucial.
For product managers, these human skills are the bedrock of success. We're talking about empathy, humility, and curiosity, of course. And let's not forget about active listening – truly hearing and understanding others – and creativity, the ability to think outside the box and innovate.
Think about it: AI can crunch numbers and spot patterns, but can it truly understand the frustration in a customer's voice? Can it navigate the delicate politics of cross-functional teams? Can it inspire a team to push beyond their limits? These are the realms where human skills shine, and where great product managers excel.
If you're a product manager spending most of your time in big meetings or drowning in email, you're doing product management wrong.
The Myth of the Meeting-Room Manager
Now, let's circle back to that provocative statement. If you're a product manager spending most of your time in big meetings or drowning in email, you're doing product management wrong.
Yes, you read that right. And before you rush to defend your packed calendar, hear me out.
The heart of product management isn't found in boardrooms or inboxes. It's in the trenches with your customers, in one-on-one conversations with team members, and in personal check-ins with stakeholders. It's about people, people, and more people.
Customers and Prospects: Spend time understanding their needs, frustrations, and aspirations. These insights are gold, and they rarely emerge in formal focus groups.
Your Team: Whether you're leading product managers or working alongside peers, foster an environment of open communication and collaboration. Great products are born from great teams.
Stakeholders: Keep them informed and aligned through regular, personal touchpoints. A quick chat can prevent misunderstandings and build allies.
The key? Intimate, focused conversations. Not sprawling meetings where half the attendees are multitasking. Not endless email chains where nuance gets lost. Real, human interaction.
Image by [email protected] from Pixabay
Balancing Human Skills and AI in Product Leadership
Now, you might be thinking, "This all sounds great, but how does it fit into our AI-driven future?" That's exactly what we'll be exploring in my upcoming mini-course, "PROD 501: AI-Driven Product Leadership."
Starting in early November, we'll dive deep into how AI is transforming product management – not by replacing human skills, but by enhancing them. We'll explore how AI can free up your time from routine tasks, allowing you to focus more on those crucial human interactions. We'll look at how AI can provide insights that inform your decisions, but don't make them for you.
Curious for a sneak peek? Join me this Thursday, October 17, for a free preview session. We'll discuss how to leverage AI in your product leadership role while keeping the human touch at the forefront of your work.
In conclusion, as we navigate this AI-driven landscape, remember that your most powerful tool isn't in your tech stack – it's in your ability to connect, empathize, and inspire. That's the essence of product leadership, and it's something no AI can replicate.
Are you ready to level up your human skills and AI knowledge? Let's embrace this exciting future together.
Break a Pencil,
PS: If you enjoyed this, please share with others; referrals are always appreciated.
Content Recommendation
I’m a huge fan of Nate Bargatze. If you haven’t seen any of his comedy specials - go look for them right now. He’s deadpan hysterical and completely family friendly - which is so rare these days. He was on SNL for the first time last October (2023) and did one of the funniest skits I’ve ever seen. Then, he was back on SNL last week and he did part 2 of the skit. They are both linked below for your enjoyment.