How To Use This Guide

This guide is structured to provide a comprehensive overview of the skills required for successful product management. It's organized into categories of skills, each further broken down into sections and topics. This structure allows you to dive deep into each skill, and gain a nuanced understanding of its various facets.

When using this guide, feel free to navigate it in a way that suits your learning style. You might choose to read it from start to finish, or you might prefer to jump between sections as you explore different skills. I encourage you to search this guide or the web for more information if you encounter a term or concept you're unfamiliar with. This guide is intended to be a foundation for your learning, a starting point from which you can delve deeper into each topic.

Each topic in this guide begins with a description to help you understand the concept at a high level. The description is followed by a detailed, real-world example inspired by real-world instances and experiences from my career. These examples are designed to bring the concepts to life, giving you insight into how they play out practically.

After each ‘Example’, you'll find a section on potential ‘Pain Points’. These are challenges you might face when applying the skill in question. By being aware of these potential hurdles, you can be better prepared to navigate them when they arise.

Next, you'll find a ‘Practical Exercise’. I strongly encourage you to take these exercises seriously. Spend at least 10 minutes on each one, even if it seems straightforward. These exercises are designed to help you apply the concepts you've learned.

Finally, each topic concludes with a list of ‘Related Research Topics’. These are keywords and phrases that can guide your further learning. There is also search links for each of these terms with an appended "as a Product Manager" to them for more targeted results.

Remember, there's no right or wrong way to use this guide. It's designed to be a flexible resource that you can return to time and time again. Whether you're skimming for a quick overview, diving deep into a specific topic, or looking up advice for a situation you're facing in your role, this guide is here to support you on your product management journey.

Lastly, if you see something, please consider contributing to improve this guide.