Product Hits: August 19, 2024

Every week, I share three great product resources from a variety of perspectives. Let's dive in!

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​Stop Holding Yourself Back by Deb Liu

Deb Liu, CEO of Ancestry.com, shares eight subtle habits that tend to hold back product managers in their careers - for example, perfectionism, procrastination, and fear of judgment. By making small, deliberate changes in their mindsets and behaviors, PMs can remove these barriers and unlock their potential.

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​Encourage Your Team to Take More Risks by Noa Ganot

Noa Ganot, founder of Infinify, encourages product teams to take calculated risks. Ganot highlights the need for product leaders to clearly communicate their priorities, acknowledge risks, and apply consistent pressure to overcome natural tendencies toward perfectionism. By helping teams understand the value of speed over perfection, leaders can foster a culture of innovation and adaptability.

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​Dual theories on distribution & product/market fit by Andrew Chen

Andrew Chen, Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, emphasizes that startups need dual insights: a clear understanding of product/market fit and a strong distribution strategy to succeed. He argues that while many startups focus on building a great product, they often overlook the critical importance of distribution, which is essential for scaling beyond the initial user base. Chen asserts that the best products are those where distribution is baked into the product design itself.

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Behind the Scenes

Hey there, it's Clement! I've been thinking about change management recently, and I wanted to share some insights with you.

Leading a team through significant change can feel taxing, but with the right strategies, you can turn this challenge into an opportunity for growth. Whether you’re rolling out a new product, shifting strategic priorities, or adapting to market shifts, the key is to stay grounded and guide your team with clarity and empathy.

First things first: communication. Be transparent about what’s changing and why. Share the big picture so everyone understands the "why" behind the shift. Do regular check-ins and open forums to regularly address concerns and keep the team aligned.

Next, flexibility. Change often brings uncertainty, so it’s important to adapt new information and feedback. Encourage your team to be agile, and model this behavior yourself. Show them that it’s okay to pivot and adjust strategies as needed.

Don’t forget to celebrate the small wins along the way! Change can be tough, so recognizing progress and achievements helps maintain morale and keeps everyone motivated.

Lastly, change is a team effort. Ask for feedback, involve your team in the transition process, and leverage their strengths to navigate the shift smoothly. By fostering a collaborative environment, you manage change more effectively while building a stronger, more resilient team.

As you lead through change, keep these things in mind: communication, flexibility, recognition, and collaboration.

Got any tips or experiences to share about leading through change? I’d love to hear your stories!

With love,
Clement

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