How do you convey the importance of product management to engineering leaders who have never worked with product managers?

Rare is the engineering leader today who has never worked with product managers. The issue is that sometimes they misunderstand what modern product management looks like: it's not (primarily) about project management, it's not about prioritizing every single thing that engineering is working on, and it certainly isn't about being accountable for engineering's own delivery accuracy. These values and beliefs may be a surprise to some engineering leaders, and it's natural for them to push back if they have never encountered a product operating model (Marty Cagan's term).

How I convince them is that I appeal to what they care about as engineering leaders. If they want their teams to be more happy and connected to the direction and goals of the business, and if they want engineers to be able to execute well without being told exactly what to do every day --- constrained autonomy -- product management can help. Then I can explain how the product operating model works, how it can help improve engineering happiness, and finally end on how it creates higher operating velocity and innovation in a company.

I have never worked for a company that didn't have product managers. However, if I were in a position where I needed to convey the importance of product management to engineering leaders unfamiliar with the role, I would focus on a few key points.

First, I would explain the role of the product manager as the person responsible for the vision and roadmap of the product. While developer tools benefit greatly from the hands-on experience and insights of engineers, the product manager looks at the product from a broader perspective. They integrate feedback from developers, but they also ensure that the product aligns with the needs of all stakeholders, including users, business goals, and the market.

The product manager is also responsible for understanding and enhancing the user experience. They work to ensure that the product is not only functional but also intuitive and user-friendly. This holistic approach helps to create a product that not only meets technical requirements but also delights users.

Additionally, product managers keep a close eye on competitors and market trends. They analyze how similar products are evolving, identify gaps and opportunities in the market, and use this information to guide the product's strategic direction. This market awareness ensures that the product remains competitive and relevant.

Product managers act as a bridge between engineering, design, marketing, and sales, ensuring that all departments work towards a common goal. This cross-functional collaboration helps streamline development processes and reduces the risk of misalignment between different teams.

After explaining what the PM does, I would make it a priority to form strong relationships with the developers by establishing a regular cadence for meetings. This includes hearing their ideas, presenting the roadmap, and involving them in sprint planning and other ceremonies. Building trust through open communication and collaboration helps engineers understand and appreciate the value of product management. It also ensures that they feel their input is valued and that the product is in good hands.