Long-Term Strategy (25% of Time)

A key question we address is: What do we aspire to build in the coming year, three years, or even five years? To answer this, we utilize both qualitative and quantitative data to identify issues and opportunities within our product landscape. This often involves conducting user research sessions, analyzing data, and exploring design possibilities. These insights help us formulate a high-level vision and strategy, which we present to leadership for approval—this aspect is truly my favorite part of being a Product Manager!

Some questions we aim to answer include:

• What challenges need addressing?
• How can we validate these challenges?
• What gaps currently exist in our product offerings?
• What issues are users facing with our product today?
• What enhancements do users wish to see?
• How can we facilitate future growth of this product?

Short-Term Execution (35%)

This segment involves the process of delivering on commitments made for product development. At Instagram, we operate on a six-month roadmap cycle where we outline our work and secure leadership approval. Once this is established, our focus shifts to executing the roadmap. As a Product Manager, while I don't execute every task myself, I ensure that all aspects are completed effectively. This requires coordinating with various teams to ensure timely delivery of our projects.

Key activities in this area include:

• Finalizing designs and addressing any open questions regarding product functionality with the design team.
• Confirming technical implementation strategies with engineers.
• Collaborating with data scientists to assess the impact of our efforts.
• Working alongside marketing to develop go-to-market strategies.
• Gathering user feedback on early prototypes through user research.
• Communicating project plans and updates is also crucial, along with addressing any urgent bug fixes or user issues that arise.

Partner Collaboration (20%)

Facilitating the success of other internal teams is another critical aspect of my role. As a member of a platform team that oversees an end-to-end product, we collaborate with various teams to help them leverage our platform. This often entails face-to-face meetings, reviewing product proposals, and providing guidance on project plans.

Relationship Building (20%)

Establishing strong relationships with team members is essential. I conduct weekly one-on-one meetings with key colleagues where we catch up, prioritize tasks for the week, and address any project-related blockers. This dedicated time fosters alignment and opens the door for discussing operational efficiencies and team alignment on project implementation.

Career Path Variations for Product Managers

The daily responsibilities of a Product Manager can differ significantly based on experience level and career trajectory. Junior Product Managers typically spend more time on execution and strategic planning, while Senior Product Managers focus on capacity building, which involves preparing the team for scalability and success. Transitioning into a management role also shifts the focus toward fostering team capabilities.

I hope this breakdown provides valuable insights! Feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below.

In the video "Day in the Life of a Product Manager | Stanford Online Product Management," viewers gain a deeper understanding of the daily activities and responsibilities that define a Product Manager's role.

The video "What Does a Product Manager Do All Day? | Day in the Life of a PM" offers a closer look into the various tasks and challenges Product Managers face throughout their day.