In a recent presentation, Abhishek Bathla, a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, shared valuable insights from his five years of experience in product management. His journey through various roles at Amazon has shaped his understanding of what it takes to succeed in this field.
Key Takeaways
- Develop a strong sense of product.
- Observe your environment and users closely.
- Use influence as a service.
- Understand the costs associated with product launches.
- Be your own kind of product manager.
The Journey of a Product Manager
Abhishek began his career as a detective product manager in customer service, focusing on improving customer experiences. He then transitioned to a platform product manager role in Amazon Business, where he worked on creating a platform for other teams. Currently, he is a mobile product manager at Whole Foods Market, enhancing the shopping experience for online order pickers. His next role will be as a growth hacker product manager, which he is eagerly anticipating.
Point One: Develop A Strong Sense Of Product
Abhishek emphasizes the importance of having a strong product sense. This isn’t just about metrics or success criteria; it’s about understanding the possibilities and nuances of a product. For example, when tasked with improving a restroom door, he illustrates how different solutions can address various concerns like privacy and space. The key takeaway is that a good product manager should identify multiple factors that affect the product, not just the obvious ones.
Point Two: Observe, Observe, Observe
Observation is a powerful tool for product managers. Abhishek shares two examples from his experience. In one case, a feature he thought would be straightforward required customers to validate a recommendation, leading to the creation of an auto-continue feature. In another instance, he learned from a colleague who noticed discrepancies in metrics, prompting him to seek mentorship. This practice of micro-mentorship has helped him grow significantly.
Point Three: Influence As A Service
Influence is a critical skill for product managers. Abhishek suggests treating influence like a service that adapts to different situations and people. He stresses the importance of balancing soft skills and humility. For instance, when dealing with customer service, accepting the customer’s issue without judgment can help build rapport and trust.
Point Four: Understand The Cost Of Launching Products
Product managers often focus on adoption and revenue metrics, but understanding the costs associated with launching a product is equally important. Abhishek provides examples from Netflix and his own work at Amazon, illustrating how success can come at a cost. Recognizing both tangible and intangible costs can provide a clearer picture of a product’s success.
Point Five: Be Your Own Kind Of Product Manager
Finally, Abhishek encourages product managers to embrace their unique identities. While it’s beneficial to learn from others, it’s crucial to develop your own style and strengths. He believes that each product manager’s journey is different, shaped by their experiences and passions.
In conclusion, Abhishek Bathla’s insights offer a fresh perspective on product management. By developing a strong product sense, observing users, influencing effectively, understanding costs, and being true to oneself, product managers can navigate their careers more successfully. As he aptly puts it, "Make your own kind of music and sing your own special song."