These are the traits that we expect to see in all PMs at Relive. These may be more or less developed depending on their years of experience, but these traits should be measured.
Key PM traits
Get the right inputs
User obsessed
Great PMs are laser focused on the user. They know how and why users are choosing their product and they are constantly framing problems and solutions from the users perspective. They talk to users in some form weekly. When a customer is hurt by a crappy experience it hurts a great PM more, even if they know fixing it is not a priority.
Insatiable curiosity for the truth
Great PMs look for truth, not validation. They are data informed - when it is possible to answer a question objectively that is always their preference. They look for both quantitative and qualitative data.
Always learning
Great PMs never stop looking to improve themselves. They can always recommend a great book or podcast. They are constantly looking at new products, new ways of working and new companies. They are curious and always ready with questions to improve their own knowledge.
Move fast
Bias for action
We have a lot of ground to cover so we need to move fast. The default path for a great PM is to find the quickest ways to prove their hypotheses and to find wins. They are not afraid to take risks and fail.
Strong decision-making skills
Great PMs make a lot of decisions, and are able to do so even without perfect information. If they need proof before deciding then it is probably too late.
Make the right calls
Are right, a lot
Great PMs have well developed instincts and aren't afraid to use them. They are always looking for new data points to help train their mental models and develop new heuristics, and are always asking how they might be wrong.
Systems thinker
Great PMs think systematically. They understand the core components and levers of the product and the business, and they understand the system-wide impact of any given change. They know which tactics to apply and which to avoid because they have a mental model of their product ecosystem.
Have backbone
Great PMs are expected to challenge any decision where they disagree, even when doing so is uncomfortable. They do not compromise to make their colleagues feel better, or because they are worried about offending someone. Once a decision is made, they commit completely even when they disagree with the decision.
Push for better
Grit
Great PMs must have the combination of perseverance and passion. Building a world-class product is hard; grit allows PMs to run through walls, stay positive and motivating in the worst of times, and not give up until they find a way to get the outcome they are tasked with.
Deliver results
Great PMs find a way to deliver. They know where they need to focus within the business and they will do whatever is necessary to make sure they deliver.
Unreasonably high standards
Great PMs set standards which can seem unreasonable to some. They are always pushing to do more, to do better, and to move faster. They are constantly trying to raise the bar, even when things are going well.
Inspire
Excellent communication
PMs have to be able to communicate clearly and efficiently. A large part of the role is about distilling complex ideas or data down into easily understandable takeaways, and being able to have a team digest and understand what you are trying to convey. Bonus points for excellent async communicators (written comms, video responses, etc.).
Nice to haves
Strong design instincts
We work in small teams, so being able to have a PM as a partner for the product designer to spar with is highly valuable. Design minded PMs can often spot opportunities which might not be obvious in the data, can hone in on problem areas, and can articulate abstract concepts in a more concrete way.
Technical background / comprehension
PMs who understand the underlying technology bring extra to the table. They can ask more meaningful questions to the developers and TL on their team. They are more likely to be able to anticipate complexity and possible constraints, and can therefore prioritise and plan more effectively.
Strong analytical skills
The PM role is full of questions and seeking answers. An ability to be able to produce your own answers is valuable, which might mean some SQL skills or comfort with BI/dashboarding tools. Just as importantly is an analytical mindset - the ability to intuitively draw insights from data, and to break complex problems down into their component parts.
Natural problem solver
PMs will run into new and novel problems every day. If the PM is naturally capable of solving tough problems they will be able to help drive the right solution.