Embracing Vulnerability: A Transformational Journey in Product Management
How authenticity, humility, and empathy can reshape our relationships with teams, stakeholders, and the culture of product development.
How authenticity, humility, and empathy can reshape our relationships with teams, stakeholders, and the culture of product development.
Have you ever felt the pressure to have all the answers as a Product Manager?
In the early days of my career as a Product Manager, I was haunted by a question: “Do I have all the answers?”
It was as if I had slipped into the shoes of a product’s CEO. I felt the weight of the product’s direction on my shoulders and an unspoken expectation that I should embody complete authority on all related matters. This mindset, however, started to form an invisible facade of infallibility, shrouding any signs of uncertainty or doubt.
The toll of such a facade became evident quickly. As I projected the image of an all-knowing entity, expectations soared — both from my team and myself. The pressure to succeed became immense, a constant whisper echoing in my mind.
As these challenges began to mount, I realised the need for a change in approach. I began to understand that authentic leadership in product management wasn’t about having all the answers. It wasn’t about delivering motivational speeches, defining clear paths, or exuding an unwavering sense of confidence.
Authentic leadership is about being open, honest, and vulnerable. It was about fostering a culture that encouraged vulnerability and collaboration. It was about leading the way for different conversations — ones that invited self-reflection, learning, and growth.
When I started to express my vulnerabilities, a remarkable shift occurred. Others felt encouraged to do the same. Gradually, a culture of openness and humility emerged around me, transforming how we worked.
This transformation didn’t happen overnight. It was a journey that required time, patience, and a great deal of courage. However, every small step towards vulnerability made a significant difference. I built more robust connections with my team and stakeholders by sharing my uncertainties and learning from my mistakes. This openness humanised me — I was no longer just a manager but a person navigating the product development journey alongside them.
The culture within our team began to evolve. We felt safer expressing our doubts, sharing our ideas, and learning from our mistakes. This environment spurred increased collaboration and innovation, and we began to build a healthier work culture where learning was valued more than perfection.
Vulnerability isn’t about oversharing or burdening others with personal struggles. It’s about demonstrating authenticity and humility in professional interactions. It’s about leading with empathy.
Embarking on the journey towards vulnerability may be challenging, but the rewards are profound. It paves the way for stronger relationships, fosters innovation, and promotes a healthier work culture. It can transform a good product manager into a great leader.
I am still working on being more vulnerable and open with my team. I also try to implement it when taking over a new team. It’s quite disconcerting at the beginning for most people. Not everyone wants to be vulnerable. As a leader, it puts you in another category. People respect you and feel even more attached to you.
Ultimately, It’s not about the difficulty of the journey but the value it adds to us and those we lead.
Please share your thoughts and experiences on this topic in the comments below. Let’s learn and grow together.
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