As a Fractional Product Manager (FPM), your role in the realm of product development is unique. While others might spend long hours marinating on ideas or getting lost in corporate politics, your mandate is clear: deliver value quickly and effectively. And if there’s one key to unlocking this potential, it’s crisp, clear communication.
When you’re functioning in a capacity where time is of the essence, every moment counts. Before you engage in any form of dialogue or discussion, set a clear intention. What do you hope to achieve with this communication? Whether it’s an email, a call, or a presentation – clarity and brevity are your allies. Remember, as an FPM, you don’t have the luxury of not being clear. While this is true for all product management roles, it is especially critical as an FPM.
All companies have their internal politics. However, if you spend more time on politics than on the product, pause and reflect. Your role as an FPM is outcome-oriented. If internal politics become an obstacle to achieving these outcomes, it’s important to engage with your internal champion immediately..
It’s essential to handle these scenarios tactfully. Instead of entangling yourself in opinions and debates, stay focused on data, outcomes, and results. This will help in setting expectations with stakeholders and managers. Remind them they brought you in for a reason: to clear the path and achieve results. When a discussion drifts towards politics, enlist your stakeholder. They'll often have a more nuanced understanding of internal dynamics, and can help you navigate the politics while staying focused on the outcomes you’re delivering.
At [Sembrar](www.sembrar.io), we swear by the mantra of setting clear outcome expectations before embarking on any project. And this is a practice you should integrate into your modus operandi. With the dynamic nature of product management, changes and shifts are inevitable. But by setting a clear trajectory early on, you create a guiding light for your journey.
Product Management, in its essence, is an exploration. As you embark on this journey, remember to keep stakeholders updated on your learnings, data, and conclusions. This not only keeps everyone on the same page, but also allows for informed decisions regarding direction and prioritization.
Optimism is a powerful tool in the world of product management. It motivates, inspires, and drives innovation. But while it’s vital to maintain a positive demeanor, it's equally important to remain grounded in reality. Setting an optimistic tone is wonderful, but ensure it’s always backed by realistic expectations and achievable goals. Addressing difficult truths early will build trust with your stakeholders and ensure that they understand the reality of what you’re all trying to achieve, while plotting the right course forward.
While you play a pivotal role in shaping a product's direction, most decisions won't rest solely on your shoulders. This is why regular check-ins with stakeholders are paramount. But remember, it's not just about updating; it's about providing well-reasoned, data-backed conclusions and recommendations. And if circumstances change, or new findings emerge, don’t be hesitant to pivot. Flexibility, combined with constant communication, ensures that you and your stakeholders move forward in tandem.
How you do this may vary depending on the culture of the company and the teams you’re working with. Some prefer meetings and presentations. Others prefer written communication. And others a mix. It’s up to you to find the most impactful way to keep others informed, synchronously and asynchronously, with key data since you’re not part of every meeting or interaction that is happening (nor should you be).
Effective communication as a Fractional Product Manager is about building trust and driving outcomes while striking the right balance. It's about being efficient yet thorough, optimistic yet realistic, and proactive yet flexible. So as you navigate the challenging yet rewarding path of FPM, remember that clarity in communication isn't just a tool — it's your compass.
*Image by Ekaterina Ershova
