How to Be the Product Leader that Get's Praised by Peers

Last week I received the following screenshot from a VP on a project I was consulting for. For context, 'Karla' is the Senior Product Manager at a vendor company we are partnering with to implement a tech solution that is set up to add $5,000,000 to the business over the next several years.

As a product leader, I pride myself on being able to effectively lead a team, communicate with stakeholders, and get things done. So when I recently received this positive feedback from a tech vendor that I was 'incredibly valuable', I was both grateful and humbled. But it also got me thinking about what I did to earn such high praise. Here are some lessons I learned that other product leaders can use to be more efficient and effective in their roles.

Lesson #1: Be Proactive

One of the key reasons I was able to remove blockers and keep the project on track was because I was proactive in identifying potential issues before they became problems. This meant keeping a close eye on deadlines, tracking progress, and communicating frequently with the team and the vendor. By being proactive, I was able to anticipate potential issues and take steps to prevent them from becoming roadblocks.

Lesson #2: Be Collaborative

Working effectively with a vendor requires a collaborative mindset. It's important to remember that vendors are partners, not just service providers. This means involving them in the process, soliciting their feedback, and making them feel like they are part of the team. By working collaboratively with the vendor, I was able to build trust and establish a productive working relationship.

Lesson #3: Be Clear and Concise

When working with a vendor, it's important to be clear and concise in your communication. This means setting expectations, outlining goals, and providing detailed requirements. By being clear and concise, I was able to minimize confusion and ensure that everyone was working towards the same goal.

Lesson #4: Be Flexible

In any project, there will be unexpected challenges and roadblocks. As a product leader, it's important to be flexible and adaptable in the face of these challenges. This means being willing to pivot when necessary, and finding creative solutions to overcome obstacles. By being flexible, I was able to keep the project moving forward, even when we encountered unexpected challenges.

Lesson #5: Be Grateful

Finally, it's important to be grateful and show appreciation for the hard work and contributions of everyone involved in the project. This means acknowledging the efforts of the team and the vendor, and showing gratitude for their hard work and dedication. By expressing gratitude, I was able to build stronger relationships and foster a culture of collaboration and appreciation.

In conclusion, working with a vendor can be a challenging and rewarding experience. By being proactive, collaborative, clear and concise, flexible, and grateful, product leaders can build strong working relationships and achieve great results. And who knows, you too might receive glowing feedback for your efforts!