Succeeding as an introvert, building zero-to-one, and PM’ing your career like a product | Deb Liu

What does it mean to PM your career?

To PM your career like a product means to adopt a structured and strategic approach to your professional development. It starts with treating your career path as you would a product roadmap, involving clear milestones and success metrics.

First, set milestones that signify key achievements or experiences you aim to attain. These could be specific roles, skills, or projects that align with your long-term goals. For example, targeting a managerial position or acquiring a new technical skill.

Next, define success metrics. These are quantifiable indicators of progress, such as the number of completed projects, performance reviews, or professional certifications. Success metrics help you objectively measure your growth and identify areas needing improvement.

Planning with intentionality is crucial. Rather than drifting between job opportunities, deliberate planning involves assessing how each role or task aligns with your long-term career aspirations. Ask yourself: "Does this role bring me closer to where I want to be in five years?" Intentionality ensures every career decision moves you towards your ultimate goals.

Adopting this framework not only provides clarity and direction but also empowers you to take control of your career trajectory.

How can you navigate new roles and challenges?

• Learn on the Job: Embrace the learning curve. Dive into the roles with curiosity and openness. Understand that you won’t master everything on day one.

• Seek Feedback: Regularly request feedback from peers and supervisors. This helps you identify strengths and areas for improvement. It also demonstrates your commitment to growth.

• Set Small Goals: Break down your tasks into smaller, manageable goals. Achieving these can boost confidence and show progress.

• Balance Learning with Impact: Focus on making an immediate impact while continuously learning. Contribute to the team from the start but allocate time to understand deeper knowledge areas.

• Network Strategically: Build relationships with key stakeholders and team members. Networking opens doors for support, guidance, and collaboration.

• Stay Adaptable: Be ready to pivot and adapt. Flexibility allows you to handle unexpected challenges and align better with team dynamics.

For more advice on handling life's challenges, explore our in-depth articles on topics such as redefining perspectives.

Why is resilience key to career success?

Resilience is integral to career success as it enables individuals to navigate setbacks and bounce back stronger. Life and work are unpredictable; how you respond to challenges significantly impacts your trajectory. Rather than viewing failures as endpoints, resilient individuals see them as stepping stones towards growth and improvement.

Turning failures into stepping stones involves analyzing what went wrong and making necessary adjustments. It’s about using each setback as a learning opportunity to refine your approach and strategies. Resilience can thus transform stumbling blocks into valuable lessons that bolster long-term success.

Moreover, resilience embodies adaptability and perseverance. In a constantly changing work environment, the ability to pivot and adjust strategies is crucial. This quality not only helps in overcoming immediate challenges but also in building a strong foundation for future successes.

Maintaining resilience cultivates positive relationships with colleagues and leaders, showcasing your ability to handle adversity professionally. Ultimately, embracing resilience fosters a mindset conducive to continuous learning and adaptability, critical components of a thriving career.

What strategies help incubate new products within large companies?

1. Secure Resources Wisely: Start with minimal resources to avoid premature scaling. This approach offers the freedom to experiment without attracting too much scrutiny. Later, as your product shows promise, secure additional resources incrementally.

2. Iterate Quickly: Aim for rapid prototyping and testing. Consistently collect feedback, adjust your product, and iterate quickly to find what works best. This approach increases your chances of hitting the mark efficiently.

3. Manage Expectations: Clearly communicate with stakeholders about the high-risk nature of zero-to-one projects. Raising awareness that not all attempts will succeed can help manage expectations and reduce premature discontinuation.

4. Create a Culture of Experimentation: Encourage a mindset where failure is viewed as a learning opportunity. This culture fosters innovation and reduces fear of taking risks, essential for early-stage product development.

5. Establish Feedback Loops: Implement systems for ongoing feedback from both users and internal stakeholders. This loop ensures that the product evolves based on real-world data, thus increasing its relevance and utility.

6. Leverage Existing Platforms: Utilize the company's existing infrastructure to accelerate development. This tactic allows you to focus more on innovation than on creating new foundational systems.

7. Protect Innovation Teams: Shield your team from excessive oversight during the early stages. Offering autonomy allows for creative solutions to emerge without the constraints of rigid corporate policies.

Adopting these strategies can foster a supportive environment for zero-to-one products, enabling innovation to thrive within large companies. For more tips, explore effective balance between innovation and best practices.

How can introverts succeed in business?

• Learn to Speak Up: Practice speaking in meetings and presentations. Start small and gradually increase your participation. This builds confidence and ensures your ideas are heard.

• Reframe Self-Promotion: View self-promotion not as bragging, but as educating others about your team's achievements. This simple shift can make it easier to share your successes.

• Leverage Accountability: Use accountability partners or groups to stay committed. These can be mentors, peers, or coaching circles that encourage you to share your progress and goals.

• Prepare Thoroughly: Before meetings, prepare and rehearse your points. This reduces anxiety and helps you communicate more effectively when it's time to speak up.

• Use Alternative Communication: If public speaking is challenging, utilize written communication like emails, reports, or blogs to share your insights and contributions.

• Build Trusting Relationships: Develop strong relationships with colleagues. Trusted allies can provide feedback, help advocate for your ideas, and create a supportive environment.

For more on balancing different aspects of life, you can find insights on handling both career and personal goals.

What are the components of a successful 30-60-90 day plan?

A 30-60-90 day plan is crucial for setting up success in a new role. Here’s how to structure it:

First 30 Days: Listening and Learning

1. Conduct a Listening Tour: Speak with key stakeholders and team members. Understand their perspectives and compile a summary of the organization’s current state.
2. Set Up Quick Wins: Identify small, immediate tasks that can demonstrate your value. This builds early trust and shows momentum.
3. Take Notes and Gather Feedback: Document insights and feedback. This helps to understand the company culture and pinpoint areas needing attention.

Second 30 Days: Aligning on Vision

1. Summarize Insights: Present a "State of the Union" report to reflect what you’ve heard and align with the team.
2. Set Clear Goals: Collaborate with your manager to define specific, measurable objectives for the next phase.
3. Build Relationships: Strengthen connections with team members. Trust and rapport are crucial for effective teamwork.

Last 30 Days: Executing

1. Implement Quick Wins: Start delivering on the identified tasks. This shows you’re capable of making practical improvements.
2. Develop Bigger Strategies: Lay down long-term plans that align with the company’s broader objectives. Ensure these are flexible enough to adapt as needed.
3. Monitor Progress and Iterate: Continuously assess what’s working and what isn’t. Seek ongoing feedback to refine your approach.

A well-structured 30-60-90 day plan sets a foundation for long-term success, allowing you to adapt, align, and contribute effectively from the start.