Getting Promoted in Your Rookie Year as a PM (Without Becoming the Office Coffee Runner)
8 strategies to fast track your career growth as a product manager
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In this post, I am going to spill the beans on how to get promoted in your first year on the job. I know that you are thinking: "Promotion in just one year? Isn't that like asking for a unicorn as your office pet?" But fear not - with a little bit of luck, a dash of determination, and a solid game plan, you can fast track your path to the next level 🚀 (Btw, I did it and so can you)
Let’s jump right in!
Execute, Execute, Execute ⚙️
While you might be dreaming of crafting the next big product vision and strategy, putting together a product roadmap — the reality is that you'll likely be handed a feature or improvement that's already been prioritized and given the green light for execution. Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to manage the timelines, prioritize tasks, unblock engineers, gather feedback, develop a GTM plan, communicate progress, and finally take that thing across the finish line. It's like being handed a cake mix and being expected to make a masterpiece out of it! Your ability to execute with excellence is the secret sauce that will earn you trust and credibility with your team and stakeholders. So roll up your sleeves, put on your chef's hat, and get ready to whip up some delicious results 📈 (AND continue to measure and iterate upon them)
Deliver Impact 📊
You may have been handed a feature or improvement that's already been prioritized, but that doesn't mean you can't make a meaningful impact on the organization. By executing on the plan with excellence, you'll build trust and credibility with your team and stakeholders, and ultimately deliver results that drive the business forward. But how do you measure that impact? One key is to set clear, measurable goals up front with your manager, and then track progress against them throughout the execution process. This will help you stay on track, identify areas where you're excelling, and course-correct when necessary. And don't forget to celebrate your wins along the way - a little recognition goes a long way in boosting morale and keeping the team and yourself motivated.
Take On More Scope 💪
Your ability to execute and deliver impact consistently is a critical factor in building leverage as a product manager. As you demonstrate success in delivering results, you gain the trust of your manager, team, and leadership, which can lead to more significant scope and responsibilities. This can mean being entrusted with mission-critical initiatives that have a significant impact on the organization's success.
It's important to remember that promotions are typically not handed out simply based on tenure or time served in a role. Rather, they are earned by demonstrating readiness and already exhibiting the skills and responsibilities of the next level.
During my first year as a product manager, I not only delivered on my assigned initiatives but also proactively identified and prioritized improvements to the product based on my own customer discovery and market research. As a result, I was able to work on delivering features for multiple work streams within just three quarters of starting my role. By consistently delivering impact and taking ownership of my role, I was able to earn the trust and confidence of my team and leadership and demonstrate readiness for additional responsibilities. Remember, as a product manager, you have the power to drive change and make a significant impact on your organization - so seize the opportunity and make it count!
Be Visible 👁️
You're doing great work as a product manager, but let's face it, nobody else is going to know it unless you tell them. That's why it's crucial to be proactive in communicating your impact and results. Don't be afraid to showcase your accomplishments and demonstrate your work to others. Set up skip-level one-on-ones to connect with leaders and share your progress, be vocal in larger meetings and forums, and establish yourself as a subject matter expert in your field. And don't forget to talk to customers and gather feedback - not only will it help you improve your product, but it will also provide valuable insights to share with your team and leadership. As your organization grows, it becomes harder and harder to get recognition for your hard work, so make sure you're putting yourself out there and communicating your successes. After all, if a tree falls in a forest and nobody is there to hear it, did it really make an impact?
Find Yourself an Influential Champion 📢
Another important aspect of promoting your impact is to find an influential champion who can advocate for you within the organization. This could be a senior leader or a respected colleague who can speak on your behalf and highlight your achievements to others. Don't be afraid to seek out these relationships and nurture them over time. Having a champion in your corner can make all the difference when it comes to getting recognized and advancing your career as a product manager. So, in addition to proactively communicating your work, be strategic in building relationships and finding supporters who can help you make your mark.
Lead and Mentor 🌱
Just remember, you're not just responsible for creating awesome products - you're also responsible for creating an awesome YOU!
Sharpening your craft by reading books, attending conferences, and staying up-to-date with industry trends is crucial. And don't keep your learnings to yourself! Share your insights with your team and encourage others to do the same. Strive to become the go-to person on your team for help and advice, and be a trusted mentor to others. Remember, being a leader is not just about executing on tasks, but also advocating for best practices and challenging the status quo. Be proactive and drive initiatives that improve the art of product management within your team and company.
Work with your Manager 💼
If you want to be promoted, it's important to have an open and honest conversation with your manager. Let them know that you're interested in advancing your career and set clear goals and expectations for what you need to do to get there. Regular check-ins are crucial for ensuring that you're on the right track and making progress towards your goals. It's also important to be adaptable and willing to course-correct if necessary, as promotions can sometimes be a moving target.
When asking for more challenging work, don't be afraid to ask for something that stretches your abilities and helps you grow. But at the same time, be realistic about promotion timelines and how they work within your organization. Each company has its own process for promotions, and it's important to understand what factors into their decision-making process. Ultimately, your manager is the one who will nominate you for a promotion, so it's in your best interest to keep them informed and aligned with your career aspirations. By having these conversations and staying proactive about your career, you can set yourself up for success and potentially even fast-track your promotion timeline. Just don't forget to thank your manager with a box of donuts or a fancy coffee for their support - after all, bribery is always an option (just kidding...kind of).
Or just call it Quits 😞
If it has been a 2+ years without a promotion in sight, it just might be time to reflect and assess if you're in the right place to grow like a mighty oak tree or wilt away like a neglected houseplant. If you feel like you're stuck in a career quicksand, it might not be because of your lack of talent or hard work but rather the environment you're in. Maybe your company is going through more strategy shifts than a drunk sailor on a stormy sea, or your manager has more mood swings than a teenage diva. Or maybe the only thing that's consistent is the inconsistency. If that's the case, it's time to wave goodbye to the old and welcome the new. Embrace the opportunities of a fresh start, and apply all the lessons you've learned to a new place that values your growth and success.
Keep growing and thriving, and never settle for anything less than your worth! Good luck 🍀
Questions? Just reply to this email and ask!
See you all in the next one 👋
Tanay