We've all experienced it —either asking or receiving a question that is answered with: “I want you to feel empowered.” It’s easy to say, but what does it really mean? Why did the person need to ask for input in the first place? Empowerment is a popular leadership buzzword, but it often falls short in practice. I’ve had moments where, despite my best intentions, my teams felt stuck, lost, or unable to perform because the right support wasn’t fully in place. Simply telling someone they’re empowered doesn’t magically create the conditions for it. Without the right tools, environment, and guidance, teams can quickly struggle. As project leaders, our role is to speed up decision-making, remove obstacles, and set our teams up for success—not leave them to navigate challenges alone. When your team asks for input, it’s not a lack of initiative. There's always an underlying reason. Instead of brushing it off with “I want you to feel empowered,” ask yourself: What’s stopping them from ac
In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, the role of a Platform Product Manager (PM) has become increasingly critical. Platforms serve as the backbone for countless applications, integrations, and innovations, making the PM's role pivotal in ensuring their success. This book, "Zen of the Platform PM," is designed to provide you with practical insights, strategies, and philosophies that can transform your approach to platform product management. Through a series of concise and actionable chapters, we explore the core principles that can help you navigate the complexities of this role. From fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration to prioritizing depth over breadth in your API design, each chapter delves into essential aspects of platform management. We emphasize the importance of direct customer engagement, the value of a dedicated Customer Success team, and the necessity of measuring success through meaningful user engagement. Whether you are a seasoned