The PM role reality check

Common misconceptions paint product managers as either all-powerful decision makers or glorified project managers. The "CEO of the product" analogy misleads many into thinking PMs have executive authority. In reality, PMs influence through persuasion, data, and relationship building rather than direct command. They don't manage people but orchestrate collaboration across functions. Another myth suggests PMs primarily write requirements and hand them off. Modern PMs work continuously with designers and engineers throughout discovery and delivery, not in sequential handoffs. PMs also don't own all product decisions. They facilitate decision-making by bringing together the right people, data, and context. The role requires humility to admit when others have better insights and confidence to drive forward when consensus is impossible.^[1]