We are all doing our best

As product managers leaders, we are being tested in new ways. The importance of empathy has never been greater. And clarity. And communication. And transparency. And encouragement. And recognition. And vulnerability. And connection….

Whew the list goes on.

What can you do, as a product manager, during these challenging times to support yourself, your teams, and colleagues.

1. Take control of your schedule. Make time to invest in what fuels you, make time for your family and focus on the most important tasks at work.  As Greg McKeown tells us in his book, Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less, “Remember that if you don’t prioritize your life, someone else will.”  Requirements for a release a year from now really don’t need to be done today do they? Yes, there is a backlog of work…but what ‘must’ get done today?
2. Do your best everyday — Best for yourself, for your family, best for your work. Be kind to yourself when you are not at 100% every day.  Your best may vary day to day, moment to moment.
3. Trust that others are doing their best too
4. Keep an eye out for others who may be struggling

During tougher times, we need to become more observant of people who might be engaging less than usual or putting themselves under too much pressure with regular late night and weekend communications. Reach out, check-in and offer support. 

As we will be working at distance for months to come, lets focus on who is important and remember to take care of ourselves and our loved ones.