What is Product Management?

Product managers help conceive the product, birth it, care for it, release it into the world, and sadly, even bury it.  Sometimes.  Alas.  Often, they have a portfolio composed of many different products they are…caring for…at any one time.   

Product managers work with developers, designers, marketers, the press, and senior leadership to ensure that the product meets the needs and preferences of the end user.  Product managers are responsible for representing the user’s voice throughout the product lifecycle.  

Product managers typically don’t have direct authority over anyone on the team, but if things go poorly, they are often blamed.  Boo!  If things go well, they can take credit.  Hooray!  It is a strange job.  

But for those who enjoy wearing many hats, it is an ideal job.