Navigating the Landscape — Tools, Techniques & Reflection

The allure of utilizing the latest frameworks, implementing Agile methodologies, and setting Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) can be enticing. Many of us get caught up in trends, eagerly jumping from one to the next, often fueled by consultants eager to sell the next big thing.

We are inundated with so much jargon that we sometimes forget a fundamental truth: human identity and relationships are essential to our society. At the core of our communities are people, and no framework or tool can change that.

Learning these frameworks is akin to rehearsing martial arts techniques without truly understanding the essence of combat. The only way to internalize these lessons is through real-world experience.

A critical aspect of combat is mindset. If your thoughts stray to others’ opinions, you risk losing focus. Recently, while learning boxing, I realized that a single misstep could throw everything off balance. It’s crucial to remember techniques like slipping or breathing, regardless of external circumstances.

Regardless of your strength, you're bound to face challenges. This highlights that mental training is just as important, if not more so, than physical training.

Bruce Lee experienced a similar epiphany after a match. Even in victory, he recognized the need for a more efficient fighting style, leading him to develop his philosophy of "be water, my friend," and create Jeet Kune Do.

The connection between this and product management is clear. I believed mastering techniques and following industry experts would enhance my performance. However, it took numerous failures for me to realize that personal growth was essential. Mastery of techniques alone is insufficient; one must reflect on their identity and purpose.

Who am I as a product manager? Beyond my title, who am I?

As I explored my varied interests, I unearthed a crucial piece that would guide my personal development.

The Missing Link — Self-Awareness & Emotional Intelligence

In the realms of business and technology, there is often a glaring absence of focus on self-awareness and emotional intelligence. I found this disconcerting as I sought to improve myself and enhance my performance. An article about a teenager detailing his experiences as a student-athlete in US hockey resonated with me. He described a rigorous training regimen focused not just on physical strength, but also on mental fortitude.

This led me to ponder the significance of mental training, philosophy, and psychology in both our personal and professional lives. Unfortunately, these topics are often overlooked in business education.

My academic journey was heavily focused on techniques and theories, leading me to pursue internships that offered hands-on experience, setting me apart from those who followed a more traditional path.

Reflecting on this, I wonder: What if we integrated mental training, philosophy, and psychology into our business and technology education? What if we viewed ourselves and our lives as products, placing equal importance on developing our minds alongside our professional skills?

Embracing the Hero's Journey

My quest for self-discovery has been transformative. From a young age, the realms of mythology and gaming have captivated me. The enchanting narratives have always held a special place in my heart.

The Hero's Journey, a narrative structure found in various forms of storytelling, became my guiding light. This framework consists of two main phases: the familiar and the unfamiliar.

It begins with a protagonist in their comfort zone, who receives a call to adventure, often aided by a mentor. As the hero embarks on this journey, they ultimately confront a crisis that leads to transformation.

My professional journey in product management mirrored this arc. The crisis I faced was the realization that my role required more than just techniques; it called for personal evolution as well. I had to adopt a new perspective on both my role and myself.

The first step in this transformation is recognizing that we are the protagonists of our own stories. No one else can navigate our challenges for us. We are solely responsible for our lives and must strive for self-understanding.

The second step involves recalling what we cherish in stories and games: the hero's relentless pursuit of triumph over adversity. We connect with heroes who exhibit human traits, experiencing their highs and lows.

The third step is about delivering value to the world. What unique contribution can we make? Understanding our value proposition is empowering. The protagonist in every story strives for something greater, and we too must find a purpose that drives us to make a difference.

To embark on this journey, I recommend two exercises that have been particularly impactful for me.