OV9

OK, so this is nothing new...

I've been a product manager for years now, and some people used to refer to the role as being like a mini-CEO

This has fallen out of favour over recent years, however, I do see that as a CEO, you don't actually do the things, but you're responsible for them

In this way, the analogy stands IMO

As a product manager, I don't design the UI/UX, I don't code it, I don't test it, I don't sell it, I don't market it, I don't support it etc

But I'm responsible for all those things

The problem is when you don't have any direct/allocated resources (e.g. no dev team/resource) it kind of makes it hard to get shit done

We have qtrly planning coming up soon, and this current qtr I've hardly been able to deliver anything - looks like that might be the same next qtr (as resources are being consumed on "more important" things - rightfully too, they are more important)

But this means I'm feeling very vulnerable in my position - I'm not the only one who knows I'm not actually getting anything done!

Gah

Moan over...

PS: I've just remembered a great quote about being a product manager I heard at an event a few years ago: "With great responsibility comes no power"

It's all about the quantum paradigm shift sometimes.

Teeny tiny steps.

Yeah, that's a lot like my working life. I'm accountable for a large collection of people delivering but am only a line manager for handful of those people. It's not fun.

Integrity is in short supply lately.

Normal conversation for me:

Them:
"Yeah, I can get that done by then, plan the rest of the programme around that."

Me:
"It's deadline day, so do you have it ready?"

Them:
"No, it'll be another month." *shrug*

Could be worse, your could be a cost centre by default and be able to deliver no profit.

The joys of infrastructure engineering

Just eats, TNT, Amazon. All have great delivery Jobs.

Tempted! What's the pension like?

Ok, I want those plates welded there….

Do you have a JHA written out ?

No, that’s not my job but I’ll help you with it.

Oh looks a bit hazard riddled.

Just weld it, it’s your job.

Too many people involved.

Dave!

DaveE wrote: Thu Apr 06, 2023 5:42 pm
I've been a product manager for years now, and some people used to refer to the role as being like a mini-CEO

are these "people" product managers?

I’m in the same boat. IT Project Manager but all suppliers are external. Business Analysts, Testers and Architects work for different teams, managers etc and manage their own workloads, priorities etc.

The role is more Relationship Management or Programme Management than strict CAPM or PRINCE II Project Management