It’s also a good time to point out something we emphasize in each of our books: Nothing you will read in this book was invented by us.
Marty Cagan. Transformed. Silicon Valley Product Group.
I enjoy Marty Cagan’s books on Product Management. The ideas are simple and straigtfoward. As he says in the quote above, he didn’t invent any of these ideas.
I was curious about how old these ideas really were so I asked ChatGPT if it could find some references to these Product Management principles in the Bible. Here’s what it found.
1. Know Your Customer
A great product manager deeply understands the customer’s problems, needs, and pain points. This requires constant engagement with users, gathering insights, and ensuring customer empathy is at the heart of decision-making.
- Proverbs 18:13: “If one gives an answer before he hears, it is his folly and shame.”
2. Inspire with a Clear Product Vision
A compelling product vision provides direction and motivation for the team, ensuring everyone understands the goal and how their efforts contribute to it.
- Habakkuk 2:2: “And the Lord answered me: ‘Write the vision; make it plain on tablets, so he may run who reads it.’”
3. Focus on Outcomes Over Outputs
Success is measured by the outcomes a product achieves, not just the features delivered. A great product manager focuses on delivering meaningful results that benefit the business and customers.
- Matthew 7:20: “Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.”
4. Iterate and Learn Quickly
Product development requires continuous improvement and rapid iteration. Great product managers test ideas, learn from feedback, and make adjustments to improve the product.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:21: “Test everything; hold fast what is good.”
5. Collaborate Effectively with Teams
Product managers work cross-functionally, fostering collaboration across teams to ensure everyone is aligned and working toward the same goals.
- Proverbs 27:17: “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.”
6. Act as a Servant Leader
Great product managers serve their teams by removing obstacles and empowering them to do their best work.
- Matthew 20:26: “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.”
7. Earn Trust Thrugh Integrity
A great product manager earns the trust of their team and stakeholders through honest, transparent actions and communications.
- Luke 16:10: “Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.”
8. Lead with Humility
Great product managers listen to their team and admit when they don’t have all the answers, creating space for collaborative problem-solving.
- Proverbs 11:2: “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”
9. Focus on Long-Term Value
Great product managers think beyond short-term wins and focus on building products that deliver sustainable value over time.
- Proverbs 21:5: “The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”
10. Listen with Empathy
Great product managers listen intently to their users, team members, and stakeholders, fostering empathy and understanding.
- Proverbs 18:2: “A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his opinion.”
You must be logged in to post a comment.