Context is Everything in Product Management
A phrase that has stuck with me over the years is:
"People make rational decisions based on the context they have. If you don’t understand their decisions, learn about their context and share yours." - Simple, yet incredibly powerful.
As product managers, we constantly navigate diverse teams with varying goals. This makes mastering the art of context—gathering it, sharing it, and understanding it—absolutely crucial.
🚀 Why Context Matters in Product Management
In product management, context isn’t just important—it’s everything. When working with cross-functional teams like engineering, sales, or marketing, context becomes your secret weapon. However, it’s not just about having context; it’s about managing it effectively.
🛠️ A Three-Part Framework for Mastering Context
Here’s a framework to help you manage context like a pro:
Clarify Your Context
🌱 Start with brutal honesty about what you know and, more importantly, what you don’t.Ask yourself, "What am I missing? What information do I need to make informed decisions?"
For instance, if you’re unsure how the latest market trends impact your product strategy, dig into the data or consult someone knowledgeable. Fill those gaps.
Share Context with Stakeholders
🔄 Ensure everyone is on the same page by sharing the relevant context.Ask, "Does everyone understand the ‘why’ behind our decisions?"
For example, if your engineering team isn’t clear on the product’s strategic goals, they might optimize for the wrong thing. Avoid this by communicating clearly, early, and often.
Learn the Context of Others
👂 Don’t just push context—pull it in as well.Ask, "What’s driving the decisions of the people I’m working with?"
Understanding their objectives gives you leverage. Whether it’s negotiating timelines or securing buy-in, knowing where others are coming from allows you to tailor your approach and achieve better results.
🌟 The Power of Shared Context
Master these three pillars, and you’ll see that managing context isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s the difference between a good product and a great one.
When everyone shares the same context, amazing things happen.
So, remember:
Get clear.
Share widely.
Always be learning.
Book a session with me: https://adplist.org/mentors/khrystyna-sosiak
Medium: //khrystynasosiak.medium.com/
WebPage: Learn product with Khrystyna
More articles:
GTD: https://khrystynasosiak.substack.com/p/are-you-getting-things-done-three
Crucial Role of Focus: https://khrystynasosiak.substack.com/p/the-crucial-role-of-focus-for-product
What's stopping you from achieving more? https://khrystynasosiak.substack.com/p/you-are-as-productive-as-your-weakest