Sprint 59 :: You are not the CEO of anything
Hey there, Product Managers diving into the tech realm! Let's debunk the buzz around us being the "CEOs of the product." It's a flattering comparison, no doubt, but truth be told, it's a bit like comparing apples to oranges—similar, yet fundamentally different.
Sure, some folks like to hype us up, painting us as the ultimate decision-makers, the captains of the product ship. But let's set the record straight—unless you're both the founder and the product honcho, the "CEO" title doesn't quite fit the bill for us Product Managers.
The crux lies in this: a Product Manager, however responsible for the product's success or failure, doesn't wield the absolute power and authority akin to a CEO. See, while we may carry the weight of the product on our shoulders, there's always a CEO somewhere in the organizational hierarchy. We're not flying solo; we've got someone behind the scenes—a safety net, if you will.
Sure, we don't usually play hot potato with responsibilities; we own our problems and make the tough calls. That's where we bridge the gap between being a PM and a CEO. It's that ownership, that willingness to dive headfirst into challenges, that echoes the CEO vibe. But let's face it—there's a universe of difference between having someone to back you up and having the final say.
The buck might stop with us Product Managers when it comes to our domain, but the CEO? They're juggling the entire business landscape. They're the ones steering the entire ship, not just a particular product's course. They've got the big picture—the company's vision, strategy, finances, and whatnot—all on their plate.
So, while we rock the ownership hat and shoulder a hefty chunk of responsibility, let's keep it real. Being the "CEO of the product" might sound enticing, but the reality is, it's a stretch.
As Product Managers, let's embrace our roles for what they truly are—essential cogs in the wheel driving product success, not the wheel itself. It's about collaboration, not solo acts. And that, my friends, is where our strength lies.
The Product Land ⛰️
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