Product Managers Needs a DEEP SENSE OF CURIOSITY

As we continue the series on the “7 Truths of Product Management,” the next truth I wanted to dig into is that a great PM needs a DEEP SENSE OF CURIOSITY

Whether you’re talking to a customer and trying to understand their needs, or working with engineers to understand technical hurdles, a deep curiosity and genuine interest are crucial.

Great product managers are insatiable questioners, driven by an insatiable curiosity for the reasons behind everything. I like to think of it like the old journalistic adage: We need to know the who, what, why, when, where, and how.

Here are a few simple examples of the questions I ask myself when building a business case or requirements document:
❓Who: Who is our target audience? Who will benefit from this product improvement?
❓What: What are the market trends? What are customers saying they need? What do they truly need?
❓Why: Why am I doing this? Is it for revenue, customer satisfaction, executive mandate, market alignment, or purely to increase sales?
❓When: What is the optimal timing for this? Should we have done this earlier, or is it a future vision?
❓Where: Where do I build this? Where do I put this feature in the product? Where will I source my resources for this?
❓How: How will we accomplish our goals? How are my competitors doing this? How can I ensure this is a great market fit? How do my customers want to interact with the product?

Obviously, the questions could go on and on, but you get the idea. The whole point is that constant questioning fuels a deep understanding of the market, users, and competition. It allows us to:
➡ Identify opportunities: By asking these questions, we uncover hidden needs and desires, leading to innovative product solutions.
➡ Make data-driven decisions: Curiosity pushes us to dig deeper into data, ensuring decisions are based on insights, not assumptions.
➡ Challenge the status quo: We question existing approaches, paving the way for creative solutions and groundbreaking products.

If you think you or your product team is struggling to ask the right questions, here are some ways to unleash your inner questioner:
🔹 Embrace active listening: Pay close attention to user feedback, market trends, and competitor actions.
🔹 Ask open-ended questions: Avoid “yes” or “no” questions and dig deeper to uncover root causes.
🔹 Challenge assumptions: Don’t just accept things at face value. Ask “why” and explore alternative perspectives.
🔹 Never stop learning: Be an avid reader, attend industry events, and connect with other curious minds.

Remember, curiosity is not just a personality trait; it’s a powerful tool for product managers. So, embrace the “why,” stay curious, and watch your journey soar!