📚 6 Must-Read Books as a Product Manager
Today, we're unpacking - 6 books every PM must read!
As the festive season of Christmas approaches, bringing with it the joy of Secret Santa and book exchange traditions, we're excited to offer some thoughtful book suggestions perfect for gifting or requesting in these festive exchanges.
1. "Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products" by Nir Eyal
Nir Eyal's "Hooked" provides a comprehensive look into the creation of products that not only attract users but also keep them engaged over time. The book's core, the 'Hook Model', is a pathway to understanding user behaviour and designing products that become an integral part of users' lives. This read is pivotal in grasping the balance between user engagement and ethical responsibility in product design.
2. "The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you" by Rob Fitzpatrick
"The Mom Test" offers a no-nonsense approach to customer interviews, cutting through the common pleasantries to extract the truth. Fitzpatrick teaches the art of asking questions that yield honest and useful feedback, a skill crucial for anyone who regularly interacts with customers. This book is a treasure trove for product managers and entrepreneurs seeking genuine customer insights.
3. "Inspired: How to Create Products Customers Love" by Marty Cagan
In "Inspired", Marty Cagan eloquently navigates the multifaceted role of product managers in creating beloved products. This book is a confluence of practical advice, strategies for user-centric design, and methods for fostering collaboration among teams. Cagan's insights offer an invaluable roadmap for product managers aiming to elevate their craft and impact.
4. "Lean Startup" by Eric Ries
Eric Ries' "Lean Startup" revolutionizes the concept of startup development, emphasizing the importance of adaptable business plans and customer-focused product development. It's a guide that transcends the startup world, providing valuable strategies for established companies looking to innovate and stay agile in a rapidly changing business landscape.
5. "Measure What Matters" by John Doerr
John Doerr's exploration of Objectives and Key Results (OKRs) in "Measure What Matters" is a game-changer for goal-setting and team management. The book's real-world case studies and emphasis on focusing on impactful metrics make it a crucial read for anyone striving to align their team's efforts with overarching company objectives.
6. "Escaping the Build Trap" by Melissa Perri
In "Escaping the Build Trap", Melissa Perri tackles the common challenge of companies becoming mired in feature-centric development cycles. This book is an eye-opener on shifting focus from feature production to creating true customer value, offering a new framework for product management that positions the product manager as a key strategic leader.
If you’re an aspiring or existing product manager looking for a new PM role, check out Airtribe’s Career Hub! Here, we specially curate PM roles available at the moment at high-growth companies. It’s an easy way for you to keep track of where to apply based on experience required and location. Interested? Click here
That’s all for today, folks! We hope you enjoyed this week’s newsletter. 🤗
Until next week, keep learning and growing! 👋