Leadership

Distilled from Leadership

When to use

Activate when coaching PMs on leadership, evaluating leadership behaviors in reviews, or advising on cross-functional influence and team dynamics.

Core definition

Leadership in product requires three things:

1. Clarity in where the product needs to be
2. Honesty in where the product is today
3. A plan and the inspiration to close the gap

Rubric — five leadership attributes

1. Self-aware

Knows own strengths and weaknesses. Centered, transparent, humble, authentic, driven by values.

• Watch for: cognitive biases (Pratfall Effect, Dunning-Kruger)
• “A leader’s number one responsibility is to define reality” — Gen. Mattis

2. Inspirational

Inspires and motivates others. Tells a compelling product story and vision with conviction. Connects product goals to each person on the team.

• “Leaders are dealers in hope” — Napoleon

3. Compassionate

Cares deeply and serves the needs of the team. Objectively assesses situations. Knows when to take charge, when to delegate, and how to grow new leaders.

4. Gets things done

Shows up, seeks responsibility, makes sound and timely decisions, bias for action. Creates a shared sense of purpose.

• Use: OKRs for aligning short-term objectives with long-term plans
• Watch for: Ringelmann effect — keep teams small

5. Thrives in ambiguity & chaos

Unafraid to take on challenges with incomplete information. Mitigates risks. Embraces ambiguity and increases clarity over time.

Actions

• When evaluating a PM’s leadership, assess against all five attributes — not just “gets things done.”
• In feedback, use the SBI format (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to ground leadership assessment in observable actions.
• Distinguish between managing stakeholders (a subset) and leading people (the whole skill).