Skills and Qualities Needed to Succeed as a Product Manager: Influence without Authority

Let’s talk about Influence Without Authority – your secret superpower. Don’t mistake Product Manager for a mini-CEO (nope, we are not).

We’re more of a conductor in an orchestra, leading a talented team playing different instruments. Our power doesn’t come from authority; it’s our communication, knowledge, wit, persuasion & empathy that works.

Rules to remember:

• Communication: Speak their language (be it Dev, QA, or your boss’s boss), don’t just talk. Connect on a human level.
• Trust: Show you care about their success (even if it’s a good sprint). Be genuine, not robotic.
• Relationships: Networking isn’t just for LinkedIn or Yammer. Build real connections.

Tips to try:

• Listen more: Every idea is a gem. Even if it’s from the freshers.
• Acknowledge: Praise the good, guide the not-so-good. Strictly, no finger-pointing!
• Empathize: Walk in their shoes. Heck, run if you can!

Remember, respect and trust win people, not hierarchy.