While not all teams that rally around a single business-focused metric will become myopic, it’s not difficult to imagine how easily this becomes the case. Managing against the “one metric that matters” runs the risk of tunnel vision while everything else suffer. This is the double-edged sword of metrics that gives rise to their unintended consequences.

Every groundbreaking product starts with a clear, strategic vision. Learn how this skill can guide you and your team toward success.

Developing metrics from scratch can be incredibly daunting, precisely because there is so much at stake. Unless you work in an industry where standard metrics are widely accepted (such as in gaming, e-commerce, or retail), metrics are anything but trivial. I've developed a mental model & framework you can use for new products, existing products, and even PM interviews.

“Strategy” — one of those words folks like to throw around to sound important. “We need a strategy…” or “what’s the strategy?” an executive may say. Everyone in the room nods in agreement. “Yeah, we need a better strategy.” Except half the room can’t describe what strategy is or how to get one.

The pattern I noticed when speaking to aspiring PMs: they get stuck quickly after starting their research into the PM role. This is usually because they don’t have the necessary resources or connections to either gain the skills or complete the tactics. Here's how you can craft your transition into PM when you’re not an engineer, MBA grad, or already work at a tech startup.