Leadership is about Inspiration

Tech is easy. People are hard.  I talk to product managers every day and I can break them out into three main categories.

1. Those who hate their work
2. Those who tolerate their work
3. Those who love their work.

Which do you fall into?

Let’s talk about the third group, the ones who are loving their job as product managers and product leaders. What stands out about them is that they are making a difference, having an impact, and have a career and life where they are happy.

• They come to work on FIRE every day, ready to innovate
• They are doing work they love
• They are able to come home and be present for their family after work

Life is too short to hate what we do every day.  As we have learned through this very challenging 2020, it is so important that we do what we love.

For those of you who hate or tolerate your work, the good news is … it does not need to be this way. 

There are 4 key behaviors that product managers who love their work do every single day.  The good news is through guidance and the right strategy, these can all be learned.

#1: They are clear on what they want

Product managers who are making a difference are in jobs where they truly care about the impact their products make.  What this looks like varies based on the values and passions of each person.  But they know that the hours they put in, the products they build are making a difference.

People with a sense of purpose are driven, focused, committed, and are lit up from the inside. This sense of meaning and purpose gives them an inexhaustible drive and offers guideposts to follow throughout their career journey. 

#2: They commit to continually pushing their boundaries

Product managers who are ‘on fire’ know that they are not perfect. They understand how their knowledge isn’t “complete” – there are always gaps, biases, limitations and prejudices, and new places to go with their expertise.

Product Managers who are continually innovating have “beginner’s mind” and an openness to see, learn, and experience new things as they innovate.

#3: They engage with people in open, positive ways

Those with huge positive influence understand the power of relationships, connection, and empathy. They’re not afraid to get “out there” – connecting with others, sharing their knowledge and talents, offering their authentic and often contrarian viewpoints and opinions. They’ve pushed beyond their shyness, insecurity or reluctance to be who they are, and have learned how to relate well with others and build teams that are connected, positive, and innovative.  

#4: They question norms

The inspired product leaders who are happy, do what they love, and build continuous innovation do not settle for conformity. When they see something that agitates and disturbs them, they strive to know more, get to the root of the issue, research and understand the contributing factors, and arrive at new solutions. They observe gaps and mistakes in common thinking and behavior and trust themselves in their belief that it’s time to push the boundaries of what’s accepted and the status quo. 

#7: They uplift others

We’ve all experienced those leaders who’ve moved up the ladder by stepping on the heads and backs of those in the way. These are not true leaders or influencers because their power is a sham.  

Product managers who positively impact their teams, customers, and others around them not only obtain amazing results in their products, but their process of obtaining these results is inspiring.  They are continually helping and supporting their product colleagues and have an overflow of positive energy that enriches the lives of everyone they work with and connect with. 

I call these product managers and leaders….Inspired.  They lead through inspiration and positivity.  They are the leader others want to follow.

If you have the determination and commitment and are ready to lead...

…then we can give you the game plan to upgrading your product management career and move into leadership.

Book a call with us today. We’ll get you clear on:

*What’s NOT working in your product career right now…
*Where you want to go …
*And the EXACT next steps you should be taking to walk the path towards that awesome product mgmt career.

Book a call here. Lynnelevy.com/apply