Here’s another question for you. We all like to share don’t we? 🙂 So, let’s open up a bit and share some lessons learned with each other.
We all make mistakes. And honestly, it’s only through mistakes, trial-and-error etc. that we learn lessons we remember. So tell us:
What was your worst job-related mistake and what lesson(s) did you learn?
Please answer in the comments below, or email us ([email protected]) and we’ll add your answer anonymously.
The mistake could be anything from your interaction with others, to bad decisions you made on the job, or just something that hit you out of the blue, that in retrospect, you probably should have seen coming, or perhaps something else altogether.
I’ll get the ball rolling.
Mistake: Not understanding and even ignoring the politics, dynamics and reality of a company when taking a PM job
I’ve had a couple of jobs in my past where I was more enamored with the job title and compensation, than with the details of the role, the politics, dynamics and market focus of the company. Neither of those jobs worked out well. 🙁
Product Management can be a transformational role in a company, but the conditions need to be there to allow it to happen. And more so I believe, than any other group in a company, the success of Product Management is tied into the politics, dynamics and culture of a company.
If the company is focusing on a tiny, stagnant (or possibly non-existent) market, there is nothing you can do to make it successful. Likewise, if there are entrenched political factions in the company (e.g. Sales or Engineering etc.) that have significant influence on the CEO, there is (almost) nothing you can do to be successful, unless you have a mandate and support from the CEO to enable change. And even then, it’s an uphill battle.
Lesson: Titles and compensation are great, but go into companies with your eyes wide open and as clear an understanding as possible of the barriers to your success. If those barriers look daunting, think twice before accepting that position or you may find yourself wanting another job, or unfortunately, looking for another job in the near future. I made that mistake twice before it truly sank in.
So there’s my mistake and lesson. Please share yours.
Saeed
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