Aug 15, 2024
Lead with Problems, Not Solutions
Sharing problems doesn’t mean solving them.
Early in a product management career, it’s tempting to package every problem with a solution. It feels efficient and helpful but it can limit your team’s creativity. Presenting ready-made answers shifts focus from understanding the problem to critiquing your idea. This shortcut skips the messy, collaborative process where the best solutions often emerge.
Teams thrive when they tackle challenges together. Give them the problem—leave space for their brilliance.
Early in a product management career, it’s tempting to package every problem with a solution. It feels efficient and helpful but it can limit your team’s creativity. Presenting ready-made answers shifts focus from understanding the problem to critiquing your idea. This shortcut skips the messy, collaborative process where the best solutions often emerge.
Teams thrive when they tackle challenges together. Give them the problem—leave space for their brilliance.
About Max Antonov
I’m Max - father of two, Product Director and Product Coach.
I write about leadership, product management and whatever else is on my mind.
Feel free to reach out at [email protected]
