How can Product Managers influence their teams?

Many people think of Product Manager as “mini CEOs” of their products. This is a fact and myth at the same time. A CEO has to establish a vision and get her team to follow. Similarly, a Product Manager is also the captain of the ship — he has to steer the ship and get the crew to follow on that path. However, a CEO exudes authority, and a Product Manager doesn’t. In truth, a Product Manager would be collaborating with his cross-functional counterparts who belong to a totally different org and hierarchy. This poses a challenge — how do we influence our team to follow our vision when we have no authority over them?

There is no easy answer to this. For a moment, close your eyes and imagine someone whom you know and would follow, without a blink. Such a leader would have to earn your trust and respect in order to get your unquestioned loyalty. A Product Manager has to do the exact same thing precisely. And how do we do that?

I hope that it is obvious by now that there is no one recipe for Product Managers to establish that position of authority within their team. Every Product Manager has their own strengths, and every team has its own dynamics. The idea is to be empathetic, honest and transparent, structured and organized, and shepherd the team towards a goal that is valuable for everyone.

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