The Product Manager's Role in the Build Phase

Hi, I'm Emily from Mind the Product. This article delves into the third phase of the product management lifecycle: the build phase. After you've identified your business outcome, the problem you're solving, and the solution you're moving forward with, it's time to bring that idea to life. This module will explore the product manager's crucial role during this critical phase.

Understanding the Build Phase

The build phase is where the magic happens. It's where your carefully considered plans and designs are transformed into a tangible product. But it's not just about coding and designing; it's about close collaboration, clear communication, and ensuring everyone is aligned with the overall vision.

The Product Manager's Role in the Build Phase

The product manager plays a pivotal role in the build phase. They are the glue that holds everything together, ensuring that the product stays on track and aligns with the original goals. This involves:

• Collaboration: Partnering closely with engineers and product designers throughout the entire process.
• Communication: Clearly communicating the product vision, requirements, and priorities to the team.
• DecisionMaking: Making informed decisions based on data, user feedback, and business goals.
• ProblemSolving: Identifying and resolving roadblocks that may arise during the development process.

Collaborating with Engineers and Product Designers

Effective collaboration is key to a successful build phase. Product managers must work handinhand with engineers and product designers to ensure that the product is both technically sound and userfriendly. This means:

• Understanding each other's perspectives: Being aware of the challenges and constraints faced by engineers and designers.
• Providing clear and concise requirements: Ensuring that engineers and designers have all the information they need to build the product.
• Participating in design reviews and sprint planning: Actively contributing to the development process.
• Providing regular feedback: Offering constructive feedback throughout the build phase.

Getting BuyIn and Alignment on the Roadmap

An oftenoverlooked responsibility of product managers during the build phase is getting buyin and alignment on the product roadmap. This is crucial for ensuring that everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goals. This can be achieved by:

• Communicating the product vision: Clearly articulating the longterm goals and objectives of the product.
• Sharing the roadmap: Making the roadmap visible and accessible to all stakeholders.
• Soliciting feedback: Actively seeking input from stakeholders and incorporating it into the roadmap.
• Regularly reviewing and updating the roadmap: Ensuring that the roadmap remains relevant and aligned with business priorities.

Key Takeaways

By the end of this process, you should be able to:

• Explain the product manager's role in the build phase.
• Describe how product managers work with engineers and product designers.
• Collaborate more effectively with engineering and product design teams.
• Increase alignment on the product roadmap.

The build phase is a dynamic and challenging time for product managers, but with the right skills and strategies, you can successfully bring your product vision to life.