About a year ago, I led a customer research project that explored learning opportunities for product managers—a topic that deeply resonates with me. I have undertaken various courses throughout my career, ranging from Pragmatic Marketing to Reforge, as well as technical courses relevant to my roles, such as web development, SQL, AI, and Automation.

This project revealed a common thread among product managers: despite their diverse attitudes towards professional development, they all face a significant challenge—influencing without authority.

Influence without authority is critical for product managers. Our role involves numerous collaborative actions and processes, most of which cannot be completed independently. Our ability to inspire and collaborate with others is pivotal and mastering this skill is notoriously difficult.

In my experience, three foundational elements are essential for effective influence, along with a key delivery method:

1. Understanding Interpersonal Dynamics:

Interpersonal dynamics are crucial for any leader. I vividly remember the AFOG (Another #@!%ing Opportunity for Growth) I experienced during my first significant meeting at a large company I then just joined. My intent to address customer problems was misinterpreted as criticism by a key stakeholder—a misunderstanding that stemmed from their unfamiliarity with the product management process. This experience underscored the importance of investing in relationships and understanding dynamics before diving into business discussions. A valuable resource for improving interpersonal dynamics is the book "Connect: Building Exceptional Relationships with Family, Friends, and Colleagues" by Carole Robin and David Bradford.

2. Competency in Your Area of Influence:

Being well-versed in your area of influence is vital. Your vision needs to be grounded in a deep understanding of the three key pillars of an impactful product: user needs, technical/company capability, and business goals. This creates an insightful vision, which is crucial; without it, even successful influence can lead to failed outcomes. Product managers must work closely with their partners to bridge any knowledge gaps and be prepared to reassess their assumptions.

3. Learning Mindset:

A learning mindset is necessary to manage both your ego and that of others, and to adapt when you find your convictions might be wrong. It helps you see beyond binary choices and find compromises. Techniques like breathwork and exercise work for me, providing the mental space needed to transform frustration into productivity, allowing for more effective decision-making.

Key Delivery Method: Facilitation

Facilitation is crucial in group settings. It enhances the input from group members and streamlines collaborative processes, thereby improving the quality of outcomes. Here are some principles of effective facilitation:

- Plan and Sequence: Organize workshops to flow through phases of collecting information, focusing discussions, creating solutions, and committing to actions.

- Visualize Discussions: Encourage the use of notes or visual aids to express thoughts, which can clarify and direct discussions.

- Employ the 'Working Alone, Together' Model: Have participants write down their inputs and use voting to decide, fostering more diverse perspectives than open discussions might allow.

- Ensure Decision-Making and Commitment: Implement voting and clear decision roles to guarantee that each meeting results in actionable commitments.

For those new to facilitation, I offer a free on-demang webinar that introduces simple yet effective exercises tailored for product managers.

My journey as a product manager has taught me that the pillars of influence, competency, and a learning mindset are not just professional tools, but gateways to deeper understanding and more effective leadership. Mastering the art of facilitation has not only improved my professional outcomes but has also enriched my relationships and approach to problem-solving. I invite you to reflect on your own experiences:

- How have you navigated the challenges of influencing without authority?

- What approaches have helped you foster collaboration and drive change?

Share your stories and strategies—I'm eager to learn from you as we continue to grow in our careers together.