Thread by @NicoleDaines

I've gotten feedback on how it feels to be part of a #productmgmt org in traditional companies.

Sharing what I'm hearing and sharing my first-hand experiences/advice in case it helps people.

I also think we can help each other. See how below.

Ok, here goes:

First, in case you missed it, here's the original thread that kicked everything off:

https://twitter.com/NicoleDaines/status/1482438718371815436

Now, let's get to the feedback:

1⃣ There's a collective feeling of frustration: not being able to perform our highest and best.

Now, you may not be able to change the environment, but you *can* change your approach to:

- how you practice product
- how you work with people

For me: I received wise advice: look for opportunities to proactively deliver value.

So, I sought ways to be helpful to my colleagues, particularly w/ppl with whom I was still building relationships.

It worked.

Helped me solidify relationships & inch toward more influence.

I also joined @reforge and took their Product Leadership cohort, led by @ravi_mehta at the time.

One thing that’s stayed with me is how to think about and grow my sphere of influence (separate thread coming about that).

I also led a few peer mentoring groups through @EllevateNtwk (a womxn's professional development community) and saw that so many mid-career professionals were facing similar situations.

Lesson: our experiences are valid and we're not alone.

And here's a helpful thread from @ProductChapter sharing how to introduce #product thinking in traditional organizations:

https://twitter.com/ProductChapter/status/1482660009230094337?s=20

2) I'm also getting feedback that people are developing products they’re not proud of and feel powerless to do anything about it.

If you’re in this headspace and thinking about whether you stay or go, here’s some advice from personal experience:

If you can, use the time where you are to develop the experience you want to have for your next role.

Now is a actually a great time to experiment.

Are there things you’ve wanted to try but felt afraid? Challenge yourself to try them.

There's growth to be found here.

3) I'm hearing from people that are seeing only the negatives about their experiences.

Here, I’d encourage a reframe. You’ve been through some tough times, but I bet you’ve learned a lot!

For me, the hardest lessons learned are mistakes I've made with people.

For you, what can you find when you reflect on the things that bother you?

I find that things bother us for a reason, and reflecting will help surface and put them in perspective.

There's wisdom to be found as well as motivation in figuring out ways to do better.

4) People have environmental frustrations they can’t control. Worse, they don't feel they belong.

This is a tough one. Here, I'd say the worst thing to do here is to leave your situation for another one equally as bad for you.

If you can, take some time off to buy yourself the space to reflect on:

a) Your values: what’s truly important to you in your next role and company? These are your non-negotiables.
b) Where do you want your career to be in a few years?
c) Make a tangible plan to get there.

Meanwhile, there's opportunity to use your time there wisely, if you can stick it out.

Goal: get the experience you need so you can tell the stories you *want* in future interviews.

**If the environment is toxic, don't feel you have to stay. It's not worth your mental health.**

5) Finally, there are so many people in similar situations! You’re not alone, and there is community here on #product twitter to help you along.

I’ve got my DMs open, and I welcome all of us to open ourselves to talking to one another and lifting each other up.

In fact, if there’s interest, I’ll match you up with someone who can help support you.

Two requirements for anyone who wants to participate:

1) Tell me what you need
2) Tell me what you can help with

Let's lift each other up!

#productmanagement