the roadmapwarrior's two cents (USD)

Learn more about FarmaFaux

roadmapwarrior — Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:32:55 +0000

The value of mentoring

roadmapwarrior — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:46:06 +0000

Just a brief reflection on how important it is to be mentored, when you’re early in your product management career. A couple of companies ago (thanks to the poor economy), I was just beginning my transition from Business Analyst in Product Management to a full-on Product Manager. My boss challenged me every step of the way to look at things from new perspectives, to back up my posits with real data, and to replace “I think…” with information from research or authorities greater than I. That guidance was invaluable to me, and helped me to quickly step up to the joys and challenges of being a PM. Next week, that same mentor joins my current company and I will be teamed up with him again. While I have greatly grown in experience and acumen since our last pairing, I am sure he will help me to see even more ways to progress.

The funny thing about my mentor is that he’s always quoting his own mentor. I’ve never met the guy but I feel like I know him pretty well. They keep in regular contact and have thrown around ideas for joint ventures, consulting gigs, and how to make a million dollars while sitting in your house. It seems that someone who’s had a good mentor turns out to be a great mentor for others. And I hope I continue that chain someday.

Haiku

roadmapwarrior — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:48:51 +0000

One coworker just explained haiku to another. I feel inspired.

product management
is often misunderstood
but it shall prevail

Winter vs. the product manager’s mind

roadmapwarrior — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 22:29:07 +0000

As with most of the country, this past month’s barrage of snow and freezing temperatures has thrown Midwesterners into a tail-spin. Sadly, in my part of the world, many people do not know how to drive for the weather. And residents here are overly whiny about the tiniest solid precipitation.

Having this much chaos around can make it hard to focus on real work–naming new products, setting up strategies, training coworkers, tackling new adjacent markets. And having a window that allows me to watch the snow probably isn’t optimal, either (but don’t take my window seat).

Is it just me or does winter weather cause a bit of permafrost on the product manager’s brain?

Another much-needed day off

roadmapwarrior — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 21:16:53 +0000

Despite the short week, much has happened and I’m exhausted. Tuesday was a 16-hour day because of travel and client meetings. Very successful day, granted. But I am so tired. Tomorrow will be for sleeping. Next week will be for changing the world.