Ever feel like you are stuck in a cycle of just keeping up with the competition rather than leading the pack? Just checking boxes and implementing features won’t elevate you or your product in the long run.
Steve Jobs’ words capture this sentiment perfectly. Authentic leadership in product management comes from innovation.
Think about Airbnb. They did not follow the existing hotel model. They innovated by letting people turn their homes into holiday stays. This brought a whole new dimension to the travel experience.
A Harvard Business Review report shows that companies that focus on innovation see a 67% higher return than those that don’t.
Innovation isn’t just a buzzword; it is a business strategy with proven results.
The following are some quick pointers to start becoming innovative:
- Talk to Your Users: Unearth real problems and gaps only users can reveal.
- Be Open to Change: Let your roadmap be a guide, not a chain. Allow room for innovation.
- Risk Assessment: Do your homework. Weigh the pros and cons before you dive in.
- Learn from Mistakes: Innovation involves trial and error. Do not shy away from that.
Let us not just manage but also lead and innovate.