The 'writing skills' that make a great product manager, Part 2

 

In Part 1 of the post,   we looked at why writing is important to product managers and when to write .

 

 

https://blog.naver.com/ideavillage/222500653351

Part 1 of the 'writing skills' that make a great product manager

There are many skills you need to have to be a great product manager. One of those skills that people overlook...

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In Part 2 of this post, we will discuss  'what to write and how to write' .

 

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I hope this post will help you start writing and realize the power of writing.

 

 

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What should I write?

 

 

 

1. Draft product vision document

 

A great PM plays an active role. You are responsible for formulating the product strategy, defining the team's big goals, creating a roadmap, and determining success. However, when a PM is asked to share a vision, it is often not possible to receive a document.

 

As you rise through the ranks as a PM, your vision becomes increasingly important. Be sure to take the time to document it. And write this vision, including the strategy and promotion plan for the product.

 

· If you don't have a vision, start brainstorming with your team and document the vision that emerges.

· If you have a vision, refine it and share it with your team.

 

When you share this well-organized document with other team members or superiors,

You will be able to communicate your ideas and directions more easily and efficiently.

 

 

 

 

 

2. Use writing to resolve arguments

 

PMs sometimes argue from the customer's point of view. Most of these debates are productive.

PMs must use data and useful information to create and argue trade-offs. However, gaining reconciliation in these arguments can be time consuming and tiring.

 

As mentioned above, writing helps you organize your thoughts objectively. Organize the objective content well into one page and use it at a meeting. Show the development team and the consumer, the pros and cons of each aspect. Make recommendations based on your analysis. If you use it when discussing documents like this,  you can make decisions faster.  You can also easily share the context of your decision with others.

 

  

3. Create more fulfilling meetings with key content

 

Meetings take time, but they're an effective way to brainstorm ideas, lead discussions, and make decisions as a team. Of course, writing cannot replace all meetings, but  it can serve as a more substantial complement to discussion . Take notes on what was discussed at the meeting and share it with others. It's meaningless if you don't share it. If you share documents like this, you'll find that the meeting is more productive as a result.

 

 

 

 

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How should I write it?

 

 

 

 

When writing, it is important to have a solid system in place.

 

There is an article called 'Write Like an Amazonian' written in November 2018.

Among them, the key points related to PM are gathered and summarized below.

 

  1. Be concise.

Write your sentences clearly and concisely. Use 30 words or less in a sentence. Use the active voice instead of the passive voice. Avoid cluttered words or phrases (because of those facts, for that reason, for that purpose).

  

2. PM is the person who represents the team.

Product management is a team sport, and the PM is the team leader. Use “we” instead of “I”. No decision is made by just one person. Even if wrongdoing happens within your team, don't target someone in particular.

(ex. Use “1 week delayed” instead of “1 week delayed by technical team”)

 

  3. PMs must show objectivity in using data.

Use data instead of adjectives to tell your story objectively. Avoid vague words like “very good,” “really slow,” and “majority.” Avoid adverbs and adjectives. If something is fast, describe how fast it is.

 

 

 

4. The PM must clearly articulate the schedule.

Be specific about deadlines. Don't say "soon" or "next week", just say the exact date. If you can't give an exact schedule, please indicate how many days you will be checking again and which items you will be checking on that date.

 

 

 

5. PMs must communicate in plain language.

Don't use jargon or abbreviations. If you use such terms, clearly explain what they mean. Don't assume that the person reading your article will be familiar with the technical terms used in your article. There may be cases where non-professionals or newcomers are excluded.

  

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finish

  

When writing is used a lot in the process of product development, you will feel the efficiency and effectiveness of writing. It may not be easy to quantify the business value of writing, but you will be able to see the power and practical benefits of writing in your work.

  

Over time, writing will eventually become your strongest ability.

And you will become an even better PM and leader.

 ▶ This text   was adapted from https://medium.com/swlh/the-power-of-writing-in-product-management-2fadf0f80bc2 .