Problems vs solutions

Great product managers focus on understanding problems instead of rushing to build solutions. When building products, it's easy to fall in love with a specific idea or feature rather than making sure it actually solves a real user problem. This mistake leads to products that look impressive but don't address what customers truly need. Starting with the problem helps teams stay flexible. As you learn more about your users, you might discover that your initial solution idea isn't the best approach. Being passionate about solving the problem, rather than being attached to a specific solution, allows you to pivot when needed.

Think of it this way: problems are stable while solutions evolve. The challenges your users face remain relatively consistent, but the best way to solve those challenges might change as technology advances or as you gather more insights. This focus keeps product development grounded in user needs rather than chasing trends or adding features that don't create real value.^[1]