Ben, this is a great model for a product leader. I especially like the emphasis on balancing the creative and analytical mindset -- this is one of the trickiest things to balance as a product leader. As product leaders, we have to balance two opposing truths: it's easier to manage what can be measured, but not everything that counts can be counted.
Wise, Ravi. Thank you. About ten years ago there was a moment where a product manager said to me “If it can’t be measured, does it matter?” and only in the last few of years, since I’ve started to understand the limitations of data , have I started to more deeply connect to the importance of bringing your “left+right” brain to the work. Now it’s something I deeply believe in—and I believe will continue to be important as we automate more of the stuff that can be.
I see a lot PMs make the mistake of treating data as objective truth -- but, by definition, its a simplified proxy for human behavior. Its only as effective as its ability to illuminate people's behavior and the reasons for that behavior.
I wholeheartedly agree. In fact I’d be inclined to encourage PMs to understand human behavior, narrative and storytelling before getting obsessed with statistics.
Ben, this is a great model for a product leader. I especially like the emphasis on balancing the creative and analytical mindset -- this is one of the trickiest things to balance as a product leader. As product leaders, we have to balance two opposing truths: it's easier to manage what can be measured, but not everything that counts can be counted.
Wise, Ravi. Thank you. About ten years ago there was a moment where a product manager said to me “If it can’t be measured, does it matter?” and only in the last few of years, since I’ve started to understand the limitations of data , have I started to more deeply connect to the importance of bringing your “left+right” brain to the work. Now it’s something I deeply believe in—and I believe will continue to be important as we automate more of the stuff that can be.
I see a lot PMs make the mistake of treating data as objective truth -- but, by definition, its a simplified proxy for human behavior. Its only as effective as its ability to illuminate people's behavior and the reasons for that behavior.
I wholeheartedly agree. In fact I’d be inclined to encourage PMs to understand human behavior, narrative and storytelling before getting obsessed with statistics.
On inclusivity, I'd add: 'deftly foster, and convene the discourse' ;)
Yes, it’s important to cultivate good conversation, create psychological safety and encourage engagement to get to the best outcomes, I agree.