The Value of On-Site Product Management Courses and Their Limitations
When it comes to product management, the landscape is vast and complex. A growing number of professionals seek specialized training to enhance their skill set and better manage their projects. Among the plethora of options, on-site product management courses stand out as a popular choice. However, are these courses truly effective in delivering the desired outcomes? In this article, we explore the benefits and limitations of such courses, comparing them to the depth of knowledge one might acquire through more specialized training.
Overview of On-Site Product Management Courses
On-site product management courses offer a general overview of various tools and viewpoints within the broad spectrum of product management. By design, these courses typically cover a wide range of topics such as market analysis, user journeys, development processes, pricing, and analytics, among others. This comprehensive approach, often delivered over one to three days, can be a valuable starting point for new product managers or those without on-the-job mentoring. The aim is to provide participants with a foundational understanding of key ideas and tools, enabling them to pursue self-study later on.
For example, while a general course might spend a few hours discussing concepts like Kano analysis, another course might delve deeper into these topics by spending multiple weeks interviewing users. This contrasts sharply with the more cursory approach of general product management courses, which might have less impact on the participant's practical application of these concepts.
Usefulness of On-Site Courses - Strengths and Limitations
Strengths:
Overview of key product management tools and viewpoints: These courses provide a broad overview of essential tools and methodologies, which can be beneficial for new or less experienced product managers.
Facilitating team alignment: For newly assembled product teams with little shared experience, on-site courses can help establish common language and simple workflows, ensuring everyone is on the same page.
Building a product community: These courses offer an opportunity to connect with others facing similar challenges, fostering a sense of camaraderie and shared learning.
Limitations:
Superficial understanding: General surveys of product management courses often touch on a wide range of topics but lack depth. Participants might leave with a superficial understanding of concepts rather than the ability to apply them practically.
Overgeneralized methodologies: Provider-specific "product management models" are often very general and may not be suitable for the unique needs of a particular business or industry.
Unrealistic expectations: New product managers might assume that following a course means they are immediately qualified, which is not always the case.
Best Practices for Specific Skills and Techniques
For those seeking to delve deeper into specific product management techniques, on-site courses alone may not suffice. In such cases, alternative options include:
Workshops or sessions on specific areas: Engaging an expert coach or consultant in a targeted area can provide hands-on experience and mentorship in areas like pricing and repackaging, design sprints, or managing teams.
Narrow/deep courses: Finding an existing course that focuses on a specific technique, such as continuous customer interviewing, can provide a more in-depth learning experience.
External coaching: Hiring an expert coach to guide a team through a real project can provide personalized, practical insights and support over a longer period.
Ultimately, the most effective way to apply the tools and concepts learned in these courses is to apply them to real-world problems where success can be measured and that matter to the business, such as increasing revenue or enhancing customer satisfaction.
For first-time product managers, internal transfer opportunities within one's own company are often the best starting point. While on-site courses can provide a valuable introduction, transitioning into a product management role often requires more than just completing a course.
Conclusion
On-site product management courses can serve as a valuable introduction to key concepts and methodologies, particularly for those new to the field. However, they should not be seen as a one-size-fits-all solution. For more specialized and in-depth training, one should consider targeted workshops, specialized courses, or external coaching. The goal is to strike a balance between gaining a broad understanding and developing the specific skills necessary to excel in the role of a product manager.