Becoming Ted Lasso: cultivating the Product Leaders of tomorrow
As a product leader, coaching Product Managers (PMs) in your team is akin to the careful positioning of a football player on the field. Each PM, similarly to each player, is unique and will require a different strategy for growth. Today, I will share how I approach identifying the strengths of my PMs and guiding them towards their growth opportunities. You will see that the framework is applicable to any role.
The midfielder of a football team is a microcosm of the dynamism, vision, and resilience that a Product Manager (PM) must possess. Like a football midfielder, PMs are the connective tissue between different teams and stakeholders, adept at both defense and attack, balancing between taking decisive action and creating opportunities.
What are the competencies of a Product Manager?
The role of a PM is multidimensional and requires mastery in a diverse set of areas, much like a midfielder who must excel in various aspects of the game: attacking, defending, organising, resilience, etc. In a PM, I look to assess:
- Business Sense: Like a midfielder who understands the game’s strategy, PMs need to have a strong business sense. They must be capable of making informed decisions and leading their team forward.
- Customer Obsession: PMs, like midfielders, need to anticipate where the ball (or market) is going to be. This foresight is critical for product innovation and market fit.
- Analytical Precision: PMs must understand their product’s architecture and continuously track key metrics to make informed decisions. A midfielder needs to know the field and continuously assess how the game is evolving and key datapoints (e.g.: how tired the team is, what are the strength of the other team, etc.). A PM should know their product inside and out.
- Stakeholder Management: The ability to influence and communicate effectively with stakeholders is key to a PM’s role. Similarly, a midfielder must communicate effectively with their team to coordinate and play as a team.
- Project Management: PMs must be able to execute plans effectively, manage resources, and mitigate risks to ensure that the product’s roadmap aligns with the company’s goals.
What are the steps?
To effectively coach PMs, we need to adopt a personalized approach, much like how a football coach would adapt their strategy based on their midfielders’ skills and physique. The coaching process involves:
- Identify strengths and opportunities: Assess each PM’s strengths and areas for improvement in the various competency areas. This can be done through a variety of methods, including performance reviews, 360-degree feedback, and self-assessments.
- Set individual growth goals: Based on the identified opportunities, set clear and achievable growth goals for each PM. These goals should align with the PM’s career aspirations and the strategic objectives of your product team.
- Provide resources and support: This might include training programs, mentorship, or opportunities to work on challenging projects that can help PMs develop their skills.
- Regular Check-ins and Feedback: Have regular one-on-one meetings with your PMs to discuss their progress, provide feedback, and offer guidance. Remember, feedback should be specific, actionable, and timely.
It is also important to celebrate successes! We always forget about taking the time to celebrate, and tend to focus only on improvement and what is next. Take the right amount of time to celebrate success!
As every PM is different, so must our coaching approach be. Understanding their unique strengths, weaknesses, and motivations will allow us to tailor a growth plan that suits their individual needs. Flexibility and adaptability are key in this process, as we continuously reassess and adjust our strategies to ensure the PM’s continual growth and success.
In closing, remember that coaching is not a sprint but a marathon. It requires patience, consistency, and dedication. But the rewards — a high-performing team, satisfied customers, and successful products — are well worth the effort.
As football coaches cultivate their midfielders, we must also cultivate our PMs. Nurture their skills, guide their growth, and watch as they transform into the product leaders of tomorrow.
In the words of Ted Lasso, “Your job is to make the team better… your job is to be a servant to this team.”
Cultivate your PMs with care, and watch them grow into the product leaders of tomorrow! Happy coaching! 🤓
