I did a reference call last week for a former colleague who is changing jobs. One of the questions asked of me was: “What motivates him?”. I had no idea. I know what motivates me. Money! All kidding aside, as cross-functional collaborators and influential leaders, what motivates your colleagues? And how can you use that in your day-to-day dealings? Or can you?

I would be remiss if I didn’t state, if you cannot answer this question for yourself, you are probably owed a little self-reflection time.

As per usual in product management one is consumed in thought with pricing. Defending. Setting. Reviewing. Rinse. Wash. Repeat. The biggest challenge of all-things-pricing is determining the price of a new product. Armed with the mantra “value determines price that determines cost”, the task becomes how do you determine value. While I am sure there are dozens of methods with some more scientific than others. This method struck a chord wth me. First have your potential customers review your product either by live demo, actual usage or concept testing. Then have an open discussion about the various use scenarios and benefits. Finally the age old question: how much do think this is this worth? You’ll have to navigate through the “should be free” jokes and “budget constraint” stories and you’ll likely need a seed value for those that truly have no idea. My experiences so far, customers love this conversation. Insight into your innovation, ability to contribute and shape that and the creative process of seeing something for the first time and trying to apply it to their work processes.

For a longer narrative and a refresher “tune” into your handy copy of a Tuned In, chapter 6 “Quantify the Impact”.

One of the attributes I look for in a product manager is someone with a strong presence.

This is someone who can be a central figure in a meeting, without overbearing. This is someone who is able to articulate ideas convincingly, with enthusiasm. This is someone who can naturally lead, without authority. This is someone who can contribute positively, while moving forward. This is someone who is confident, with valid reasons. This is someone who is respected. This is someone who is empathetic.

This is NOT someone who is arrogant.

I would expect the challenge for the person with this attribute is to maintain it and not let it slide into someone who is just arrogant.

It was a fun conversation on Tuesday. How can you distinguish between a Senior Product Manager and a Product Manager? There was a side-hall conversation on the topic with some Twitter people too.

First conclusion, it is not based on experience. Experience might lead to it, but you are not a senior product manager because you have been a product manager for X years.

Second conclusion, it requires a broader vision. Someone who is capable of thinking about “the many” versus “the one”.

The third variable (note, not conclusion) is that a senior product manager is “more strategic”. I really struggle with that. If you are strategic, can you be more strategic? Does having more responsibility make one more strategic? Not sure. Seems like I am applying the same concepts to a broader set and not sure that makes me more strategic. However, it ties back to the second conclusion and that would make one senior.

More food for thought.

How do you distinguish between a Senior Product Manager and a Product Manager?

Is it strictly in experience?
Is it responsibility? If so, which responsibilities?
Other factors?

My gut tells me it is just experience, but then how do you know someone has had the right experience to qualify for or graduate to a Product Manager?

My head tells me it is the way someone thinks, but then how do you know someone has the right brain patterns for Senior Product Manager?

Comments?

Hard to believe it has been three months since I last posted. Ouch! I must admit, balancing work and life has left little time for blogging. I think about it, if not daily then every other day. I am trying to carve out time, but I am slammed from the moment I wake until I get home. The evenings are a write off, once we get everything sorted I am exhausted. Even today I am posting with my iPhone through the WordPress app while at the airport.

Topics continue to pile up though, everything from ProductCamp Vancouver, to basic product management challenges and my transition to a product management leadership role.

Please stay tuned through the next few months. I’ll be back soon.

Stewart

Getting started in Product Management or need a refresher? Start here:

Tuned In: Uncover the Extraordinary Opportunities That Lead to Business Breakthroughs
http://www.amazon.com/Tuned-Extraordinary-Opportunities-Business-Breakthroughs/dp/047026036X

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die
http://www.amazon.com/Made-Stick-Ideas-Survive-Others/dp/1400064287

Predictably Irrational: The Hidden Forces That Shape Our Decisions
http://www.amazon.com/Predictably-Irrational-Revised-Expanded-Decisions/dp/0061353248

The Upside of Irrationality: The Unexpected Benefits of Defying Logic at Work and at Home
http://www.amazon.com/Upside-Irrationality-Unexpected-Benefits-Defying/dp/0061995037

The Product Manager’s Desk Reference [Hardcover] by Steven Haines
http://www.amazon.com/Product-Managers-Desk-Reference/dp/0071591346

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