The Most Important PM Lesson You Will Ever Learn

Original Post

Ditch the soul-crushing JIRA tickets, OKR sessions, executive reporting and endless meetings! 

The most impactful lesson you'll ever receive won't come from some dusty textbook or a self-proclaimed Silicon Valley guru. It's hiding in plain sight, waiting to be unleashed... on a drum set. 

Confused? Intrigued? Allow me to explain. 

Inspired by YouTuber Kize's epic 30-day drum challenge, I embarked on my own percussive pilgrimage. And let me tell you, those rhythmic beats taught me more about building great products than any framework or methodology ever could. Buckle up, because it's time to get your groove on and get loud.

1. Ditch the PowerPoint, Define Your "Moment": Forget vague goals like "improve user experience." Channel your inner stardom and set a specific, audacious outcome. What's your product's "spotlight solo"? This laser focus becomes your North Star, guiding every decision you make. Remember, wishy-washy goals lead to wishy-washy products.

2. Embrace the Chaos, Dive Headfirst (Crowdsurf): Stop overthinking, just leap! Kize bought a drum set before learning a paradiddle from a flam. Similarly, don't wait for perfect conditions. Embrace the mess, learn as you go, and channel your inner confidence. After all, the best riffs often come from improvisation.

3. Experiment Like a Mad Scientist (But with tats and wild hair!): Treat your journey like a continuous experiment. Kize used Drumeo's platform, but there's a whole orchestra of learning methods out there. Test, iterate, and find your groove. Remember, innovation rarely happens in a vacuum.

4. Immersion is Your Power Ballad: Remember that feeling of pure absorption when you learned to ride a bike? That's the magic of immersion. Surround yourself with your product, whether it's user communities, competitor analysis, or even (dare I say?) industry conferences. The deeper you dive, the more you'll vibe.

5. Stretch Goals: Your Ticket to Headlining: Kize's 30-day goal seemed insane. But guess what? She crushed it. Set ambitious, slightly terrifying goals, break them down, and create a plan that feels both scary and achievable. Remember, rockstars don't play it safe. They push boundaries and own the stage.

6. See, Do, Fail (and Repeat, Because Rock and Roll): Don't just dream, take action! Watch tutorials, practice like a demon, and then record yourself (the "see, say, do" loop). Reflect, embrace the inevitable stumbles, and refine your approach like a seasoned musician. Remember, every dropped stick is a chance to learn a new beat.

7. Leverage Your Past Jams: Kize's musical background gave her a head start. Identify your relevant skills and experiences. They'll be your secret weapon as you navigate the complex rhythms of product development. After all, you wouldn't start a band without knowing how to play an instrument, right?

8. Speak the Lingo, Don't Be a One-Man Band: Define key terms specific to your domain. In drumming, it's paradiddles, rudiments and ghost notes. In product management, it's user personas and MVPs. Clear communication is the key to a harmonious product experience. Remember, jargon jams and acronyms are a surefire way to lose your audience.

9. Slow and Steady Wins the Race (Especially with Drums): Don't try to be John Bonham overnight. Mastering the fundamentals is crucial. Be deliberate, practice slowly, and prioritize technique over speed. Rushing leads to dropped sticks and frustrated users. Remember, even the most epic drum solos start with a simple beat.

10. Fear is Your Groupie (Embrace the Mosh Pit): Feeling intimidated? Good! Those moments are your fuel for growth. Don't shy away from challenges; face them head-on and emerge stronger, more confident. Remember, even rock stars get stage fright. But the best ones use it to fuel their performance.

11. Feedback is Your Group Therapy: Kize actively sought feedback from both online communities and a professional drummer. Get feedback from users, mentors, and colleagues. It's the ultimate growth hack, and hey, sometimes a little constructive criticism can be just what you need to write that chart-topping product anthem. Remember, even the most iconic riffs get polished through feedback loops.

12. Fun is Not Optional (Unless You're Going for the Angsty Rock Star Look): Enjoy the process! Kize's enthusiasm is contagious. Don't get bogged down in the grind. Find the joy in your work, and it will translate into passion, the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Remember, even the most complex products can be built with a smile and a beat in your heart.

13. Bottlenecks are Your Remix Opportunity: Identify limitations and roadblocks. Analyze their root causes and turn them into opportunities. Kize's initial hand, eye and foot coordination led her to explore different drumming techniques. Similarly, roadblocks in product development can lead to innovative solutions. Embrace the challenge, and you might just write the next product development masterpiece.

14. Celebrate the "Aha!" Moments: Recognize and celebrate your progress, big or small. Every breakthrough, every conquered challenge, is a milestone worth acknowledging. Just like the adrenaline rush after nailing a difficult drum solo, celebrate your product wins and use them as fuel for your next big achievement.

15. The Journey Never Ends (Encore!): Reaching your goal is just the beginning. Reflect, measure, and set new, even bolder outcomes. There's always more to learn and achieve in the ever-evolving world of product development. Remember, the best rock stars never stop pushing boundaries and writing new songs. Keep the beat going, and your product will become a rock anthem for your users.

So, the next time you feel bogged down in product management jargon and tactical advice, remember this: 

The most valuable lessons often come from unexpected places!

Grab your drumsticks, embrace the challenge, and get ready to rock your product world! Don't forget to check out Kize's inspiring journey here. 

Share your thoughts! What unexpected sources have taught you valuable product management lessons?