In this episode of Practical Product Management, we dive deep into a critical but often overlooked factor in our career success: choosing the right boss. It’s easy to focus on job titles, funding rounds, or the prestige of a company, but we believe that who we work for—and who they report to—can have a bigger impact on our growth, learning, and overall job satisfaction.
We discuss how to evaluate potential managers during the interview process, how to align with their leadership styles and values, and why building genuine human connections with our leaders matters so much. Whether we’re searching for our next role or stepping into leadership ourselves, this episode offers practical insights to help us move beyond the job description and focus on what really counts.
Key Takeaways
Your Boss Shapes Your Success:The two most important people in your career are your boss and your boss’s boss. They determine not just what you’ll learn, but how much space you’ll have to grow.
Look for Leaders Who Elevate, Not Compete:A great boss shares their knowledge without ego, champions your success, and fosters a learning mindset, regardless of hierarchy or seniority.
Ask the Right Questions During Interviews:Dig into how potential managers handle disagreement, their leadership style, and their values. Questions like “What does it look like when we disagree?” can reveal how open they are to collaboration and feedback.
Questions for PMs to Reflect On
When you’re interviewing for your next role, how will you evaluate whether a manager aligns with your learning and leadership styles?
How does your current boss support your growth as a product manager—and what could be improved?
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