Being a Product Manager (PM) is much more than managing tasks and tracking deadlines. It’s about leading. PMs don’t always have direct authority over their teams, so developing strong leadership skills is essential to inspire and guide cross-functional groups toward a common goal. Whether you’re a seasoned PM or just starting out, honing your leadership abilities can make a difference. Here are the key leadership skills every PM should focus on.

1. Vision Setting: The North Star for Your Team A great PM inspires by clearly showing what success looks like. Teams need to know what they’re building and why it matters. This is where vision-setting comes in.

As a PM, you must:

• Clearly articulate the purpose behind the product or feature.
• Connect your team’s work to the broader company mission.
• Ensure every team member understands how their contributions support the vision.

For example, if you’re building a new shopping list feature for a grocery app, don’t just say, “We’re building a shopping list.” Instead, explain, “We’re creating a tool to simplify grocery shopping and reduce food waste for busy families.”

When your team believes in the vision, they’re more motivated to deliver exceptional results.

2. Empathy: Understanding Your Team and Users Empathy is at the heart of leadership. To inspire your team, you must first understand their challenges, motivations, and strengths. Similarly, empathy for your users ensures your product solves their problems.

Here’s how to practice empathy as a PM:

• Listen actively during team meetings and 1:1s.
• Seek user feedback regularly and advocate for their needs.
• Show genuine appreciation for your team’s efforts, even during tough times.

Empathy builds trust. When your team feels valued and understood, they’re more likely to go the extra mile.

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