Domain knowledge in product management is a topic of much debate in the tech industry. While many companies prioritize hiring product managers with experience in their specific domain, the reality is that this approach may not be as effective as it seems.
Technology Changes At Warp Speed
The tech landscape is evolving at a rapid pace, making it challenging for product managers to maintain relevant domain expertise over time. Instead, the ability to quickly learn and adapt to new technologies and solve problems efficiently is far more valuable. This skill set allows product managers to navigate the ever-changing tech environment effectively.
That being said, having domain experience can provide some advantages. It can help product managers understand the nuances of managing communities for mass adoption products or navigating sales and distribution channels for enterprise software. In hardware-related products, domain knowledge can be beneficial in understanding the longer timelines and processes involved.
The Domain Experience Drawbacks
There’s a potential downside to extensive domain experience. Product managers with years of expertise in a particular field may become overconfident, assuming they understand the customer better than they actually do. This can lead to projecting their own biases onto the target user, making it harder to challenge fundamental assumptions and maintain an open mind.
In fact, the benefits of domain experience might only account for about 20% of a product manager’s success, while the remaining 80% could be irrelevant or even detrimental. The key is for product managers to learn and adapt quickly, regardless of their background.
Grade Product Managers On A Curve
On average, it takes a product manager one to three months to get up to speed in a new domain. This timeframe can vary depending on the individual’s ability to process information and the complexity of the domain. The goal is to reach a point where they can confidently craft a product strategy within this timeframe.
The tech industry’s rapid evolution means that even product managers who stick to one domain must constantly learn and adapt. What was relevant a few months or a year ago may become obsolete quickly. This constant change highlights the importance of adaptability over accumulated domain knowledge.
Companies should focus less on seeking domain experts and more on finding product managers with a fresh attitude and the ability to learn quickly. The ideal candidate is someone who can start with a clean slate, rapidly acquire the necessary knowledge and skills, and enjoy the process of continually reinventing their beliefs and approaches.
In conclusion, while domain knowledge can be beneficial, it shouldn’t be the primary factor in hiring product managers. Instead, companies should prioritize candidates who demonstrate adaptability, quick learning, and a fresh perspective. By doing so, they’ll be better equipped to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and product development.
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