Fears in Product Management and How to Face Them

Product people are a brave bunch in general, but beneath our assured exteriors sometimes lurk a few genuine worries with which we grapple, whether we confess it or not!

We all face challenges in our lives, relationships, and careers. And I'd like to believe that product managers are among the more transparent professions: we can be candid about our challenges, confront our concerns, and seek guidance for our flaws.

So, what are these apprehensions? There may undoubtedly be different worries for different people, but I have identified three basic fears in my experience and through seeing others:

• Conflict phobia
• Uncertainty phobia
• Fear of being inadequate

Conflict phobia

Conflict is not something that everyone is afraid of. There are clearly those people who enjoy a good debate or "spirited debate" and aren't afraid to express themselves, however forcefully. However, for those of us who prefer a calmer, more logical, and level-headed approach to dispute – or even fear conflict entirely – this can be a distressing experience. Unfortunately, disagreement is an unavoidable part of life, and as product managers, we must accept it. Especially when the stakes are high and people are working together who are passionate and devoted. As a result, it's how we deal with it that matters - and it's important to remember that not all conflict is negative. Conflict, and the simple process of great minds fighting with one another's ideas to determine the deserving winner, may produce a lot of good. It may and will challenge our views and conclusions, not simply by bringing new ideas or information to the table. This is required for a complete grasp of the decision we are making, the problem we are solving, or the opportunity we are chasing.

Over time, I've learnt to accept controversy in the pursuit of a better product. There are still times when I grimace at the tension in the room, but I actively work to prevent my previous unpleasant experiences from colouring the present – and fight for the good of my product when necessary!

In addition, I try to think of fresh ways to deal with the friction on a regular basis so that I don't make the same mistakes I've made in the past. 

Uncertainty phobia

Dread, Uncertainty, and Doubt (FUD) are acronyms for fear, uncertainty, and doubt. This is true not only in politics and the mainstream media but also in product management.

Don't let your fear of the unknown prevent you from being an effective product manager. Handling uncertainty is one of the reasons we have our roles, so let’s embrace it! While you don't have to be a fortune teller to be a good product person, we do have access to a variety of product discovery tools and techniques. They can help us avoid wasting time and money on a product that doesn't work or that no one will use, or commit to months of development before seeing results.

Fear of Being Inadequate

Perhaps you've never had to deal with disagreement or uncertainty before. Maybe you've got it all figured out. However, I suspect that fear of inadequacy is one of the most common but little-acknowledged fears among product managers.

On that basis, I'll cheerfully admit that I frequently feel like a fraud or an imposter who has no idea what he's doing. However, experience has taught me that fear is unfounded, especially since leaving my comfort zone.

So, if you're in the same boat,  here are three strategies for overcoming your fear of inadequacy:

1. Join a Neighborhood

Get out of your one-person echo chamber and connect with others in the product community. Meetings with ProductTank on a regular basis are a smart place to start. 

2. Don't Make Comparisons to Others

There is only one of you, and you are uniquely qualified to be that person. Because everyone else is taken, be yourself.

You may not have all of the experience that someone else does, but you do have a distinct set of skills and a unique personality. You'll be the only one who can fit where others can't! Allow those with greater experience to motivate us to grow and improve in the process.

3. Continue to learn

Use your fear to propel you forward in your studies. Let us accept what we don't know and use it to expand our knowledge's range and depth. This often necessitates a measure of humility, but when we're new to a product or dealing with people or problems with which we're unfamiliar, we're in a rare position to ask dumb questions that others might be too embarrassed to ask.

The first few weeks with a new product or in a new business are the easiest for "dumb inquiries," in my opinion. When something doesn't make sense, though, it might be difficult to swallow your pride and ask for clarification. But it'll be even more awkward later if it turns out you gave someone something they didn't ask for.

Finally, don't be afraid of making mistakes or, worse, failing. Mistakes are vital learning tools, and faulty ideas should not be dismissed because they often lead to better ones.

As a result, let us concentrate on our passions and distinguishing characteristics. Let's figure out what that is and how to use it to get results. Then there will be the outcomes, which will speak for themselves, demonstrating the worth of our education and the scope of what we can do. Allow our fears to motivate us to try new things, step outside of our comfort zones, and embrace new experiences.