Don’t debate the debaters, but instead, influence the influencers.
Product managers are leaders and influencers of features, ideas, and epic tasks. Some have direct and backed authority, many others have variants that are partial or merely implicit. Either way, to achieve the greatest success, do you rule with force? Or influence, and guide, and allow for shared discovery in support of your product’s end goals?
Dream On
A path of unquestioned authority over all product decisions may be many a Product Manager’s dream. 
Those that chose this seemingly easier path, will, at best, yield short- or medium-term results.
It’s the People, Stupid!
Any good product manager knows that to be successful they must manage, directly and indirectly, a great diversity of people and their backgrounds, personalities, and skill-sets. Many individuals that do not lend to being told what must be done are more yielding to a path of inclusion and self-discovery.
Over the next few weeks, we will be discussing various examples and approaches in wielding strategic influence as a successful product manager.
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Enjoy!
Jeremy Horn
The Product Guy
