To All Aspiring Product Managers: Start Here
Updated May 2, 2021
It has been almost four years since I published the original article. This post turned out to be more valuable than I anticipated as it was shared with the aspiring and new product managers many times, in different contexts. I’ve been using it when mentoring and coaching PMs, and most recently, other folks started referring to it.
While most of the resources mentioned here are still relevant, there has been a significant increase in interest and demand in product management which, naturally, introduced more resources. Just consider this stat — PM roles in the US went up by 32% from August 2017 to June 2019. However, one of the most significant (and exciting) changes in the field is a shift towards an empowered product team model spearheaded by Marty Cagan. Product Management is going through a long-overdue transformation as we speak. To capture the zeitgeist, I added a few more items to help the newcomers get up to speed faster.
In the past several months I found myself participating in several product-related Slack channels (like this one), as well as helping to organize, and attending ProductTank here in San Diego where a significant number of participants are either at the dawn of their product management career or are aspiring product folks looking to break into the industry. One of the themes that come up during every conversation (along with advice on how to become one with no direct experience) is where to start/which resources to use.
Therefore, keeping in mind all the folks that are looking for guidance and are ready to invest some time and energy in self-education, I’d like to share the following short list that covers the basics (such as a definition of the field, product psychology, human behavior, user experience, design). This is by no means a comprehensive list, but rather a quick way to get you started and, hopefully, get you in the product mindset where an understanding of and empathizing with other human beings is the first necessary step towards building something that solves their problem and makes their lives easier. There is so much more to product management including strategy, tactics, development, prioritization, etc. which I am not going to cover here.
Books and long-form articles
A few books and essays I recommend below have nothing to do with the field, however, their influence on my becoming a strong Product Manager cannot be underestimated. I intentionally did not include Marty Cagan’s books. While I am a big fan of his work, both Inspired and Empowered might be a little over the head for an aspiring Product Manager. I recommend starting with his blog instead. Treat these two books as your phase two.
The Lean Startup by Eric Ries — today’s best practice for innovators. You don’t have to be an entrepreneur to derive immediate value from this book by applying its lessons to every part of your life including building great products.
The Design of Everyday Things — written by a cognitive scientist, this book is one of the design classics that helps to develop a more design- and user-centric view of everyday things (digital or otherwise).
Hooked: How to Build Habit-forming Products — all about driving engagement and forming habits, this book provides a great analysis and overview of human behavior and what drives us.
When Coffee and Kale Compete —a great book that challenges the way we approach solving our users’ problems. By focusing on struggles and feelings instead of obvious problems and needs, the author provides an interesting framework for building products that sell.
Boyd: The Fighter Pilot Who Changed the Art of War —a fascinating book about the fighter pilot turned innovator turned philosopher. This book might challenge how you make decisions, learn, grow as a human and professional, persuade, and leave your life.
Dare to Lead — all Brene Brown’s books have made a tangible impact on me. This book, however, takes the concept of leadership to another level.
Good PM Bad PM — an excellent essay by Ben Horowitz written more than 15 years ago. This is a classic piece that should be read by every PM as 99% of the information is relevant today.
The Modern Day Good PM Bad PM — a modern take on the previous essay.
Please Make Yourself Uncomfortable — somewhat a philosophical piece about embracing uncertainty and discomfort. Both characteristics are present in the daily life of a product manager.
Product vs. Feature Team — Marty Cagan’s insightful piece sheds a light on the state of product management, the prevalence of “delivery” and “feature” teams in the industry, and how the “empowered” team differs from these two.
Good Thinking, Good Products — this post is a good introduction to systems thinking and its benefits. Thinking clearly and well is necessary to become a great product manager (and independent thinker, in general). If you read enough of Marty Cagan, you will see a similar theme going through his posts.
Metaphors and Stories in Product Management — a wonderful article on the art and science of using metaphors and storytelling in product management.
What is This Thing Called Design — an excellent primer on the UX/UI design for those who are not familiar with either, or those who struggle to explain what design is. A great introduction for aspiring product managers.
The Guy Who Created the Design Sprint — a long piece that captures a conversation with Jack Knapp, a creator of the Design Sprint. Refreshing and thought-provoking, in particular, for product managers.
Product Managers Skills by Seniority Level — A Deep Breakdown — excellent piece outlining skills are sought after and expectations from the Product Managers depending on where they are in their career.
Blogs and podcasts
Intercom on Product and Design
Lenny’s Newsletter on Substack
Product Management Insider (PM Insider)
Medium Product Management Publication
10 Podcasts for Product Managers
Social (Slack and Facebook)
Mind the Product — Slack channel full of interesting people and conversations, a great way to connect with others in the industry. Mostly beginner PMs and seasoned professionals.
Product School — full of aspiring product folks and beginners. There are some promotional initiatives focused on converting you to the Product School customer (nothing wrong here since this is their dedicated channel), but overall content including #ama events (on Tuesdays, I believe) is quite valuable. Great way to connect with and learn from others.
Product Managers Community — a Facebook community created by the Product School. Again, quite a bit of promotional activity here but both content and quality of members are very good.
Women in Product — my go-to community to connect with and learn from women in technology, product, and design around the world.
Free courses
Storytelling for Change by Acumen+ — the best (free) storytelling class I’ve found. This course is a gem and will help you become a better storyteller, change-maker, and authentic speaker. We, the product manager, need to be skilled at all three of them.
Product Psychology: Understanding Consumer Behavior — an excellent course that spans over a few weeks and covers human behavior, user experience, design, and product. You’d get to learn a lot.
(Virtual) meetups
ProductTank — available almost in every big city in the world. If not — go ahead and open a chapter.
Product Inspiration
Disclaimer: I have no affiliation with the organizations mentioned above. I do write for PM insider occasionally and help to organize ProductTank meetup in San Diego.
