Ever wondered how you could boost your collaboration and effectiveness as a product manager (PM)? Rather than diving into a whirlwind of classes or sifting through endless courses, what if there was a singular, secret practice you could adopt right now? One that doesn’t demand hefty investments or lengthy training? Welcome to the realm of product management pairing, a transformative strategy that redefines collaboration and that has been harnessed by the consultants at VMware Tanzu Labs to build superior products at lightning speed.
Defining pairing and its origins with developers
Pairing is where two professionals team up to work on a single task together using the same machine. Initially, it was a concept rooted in software development, known widely as pair programming.
This methodology sees two developers teaming up—one driving, or writing the code, and the other navigating, or reviewing and providing real-time feedback. The result? Improved code quality, swift problem solving, and heightened learning.
The benefits of pairing
Beyond the immediate product outcomes, pairing promotes a culture of continuous learning, trust, and collaboration. When teams see departments working in tandem, silos are broken, and the organization naturally gravitates toward more transparent, collective problem solving.
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Diverse perspectives – Combining expertise brings varied perspectives to the table, resulting in well-rounded outcomes.
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Continuous feedback – The ongoing exchange promotes real-time improvements.
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Reduction in errors – Two sets of eyes can identify and mitigate errors faster.
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Enhanced learning – Both individuals often walk away with a wealth of new insights.
How product managers can pair in their work
The beauty of PM pairing lies in its versatile applicability. Product managers can employ pairing as a tool for idea validation, roadmap prioritization, or even stakeholder management. PMs can explore pairing dynamics in various configurations, each bringing a unique layer of richness to the collaboration.
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PMs across teams – Consider two product managers from different teams but with overlapping objectives or audiences. Pairing them allows for a blend of varied experiences and insights. They can co-create a holistic strategy, ensuring the project benefits from a 360-degree perspective.
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PMs with designers – The marriage of function and form is critical in product development. When PMs pair with designers, they combine the practicality of user requirements with the aesthetics of design. This duo ensures the product is not only user-centric but also visually compelling, making for a delightful user experience.
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PMs with developers – This pairing is akin to the meeting of vision and execution. While PMs bring the user’s voice and the product’s strategic direction, developers bring the technical prowess. Together, they can ensure the product’s design is not only desirable but also feasible and viable from a technical standpoint.
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PMs with stakeholders – Often overlooked but incredibly potent, pairing PMs with stakeholders can be revolutionary. Whether it’s a top executive, a key client, or a significant investor, these stakeholders offer a macro view of the market, business objectives, and long-term vision. Pairing ensures that the product strategy is aligned with these broader organizational goals, paving the way for impactful results.
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Pairing for enablement – One of the most potent tools to bridge knowledge gaps or context gaps is the practice of pairing for enablement. Here, two product managers pair on the same team, diving deep into the practicalities and intricacies of the role. This isn’t just a fleeting mentor-mentee relationship; it’s an immersive, hands-on experience where the PM is exposed to real-world scenarios, decision-making processes, and strategic insights that textbooks seldom offer. This is why this method stands out as the premier approach for fast-tracking the growth and understanding of emerging product managers.
How to pair with designers
Product managers often need to work closely with designers to ensure the product not only works but looks and feels right to the user. When pairing, keep this tips in mind:
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Start with alignment – Ensure both parties understand and agree on the product’s goals.
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Share expertise – As the product manager shares user stories and data, the designer can provide feedback on the feasibility and impact of design choices.
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Iterate together – Instead of waiting for complete mockups, iterate on sketches and low-fidelity designs.
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Be open to feedback – Just as in traditional pairing, constructive critique should be welcomed, not shunned.
How to pair with developers
When we talk about product managers pairing with team members, developers cannot be overlooked. These collaborations are the heartbeats of product creation.
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Establish mutual respect – First and foremost, understand and respect the unique expertise each brings. A product manager might see the user’s needs while a developer understands the technical feasibility and challenges. Each viewpoint is invaluable.
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Maintain open communication – Instead of making assumptions, always ask questions. By creating an environment where both parties can voice their thoughts and concerns openly, misunderstandings are minimized.
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Set clear expectations – From the onset, be clear about what each individual is responsible for. By defining roles and expectations, tasks flow smoothly without stepping on each other’s toes.
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Collaborate on planning – When scoping out a feature or product update, involve developers early in the process. Their insights can guide the feasibility of certain features, ensuring that roadmaps are realistic.
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Review and iterate – Just as with designers, product managers should adopt an iterative approach with developers. Review progress frequently, allowing for feedback and adjustments as needed.
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Celebrate successes together – Remember that every successful launch or update is a result of combined efforts. Celebrate milestones and acknowledge each other’s contributions.
By approaching it with an open mindset, clear communication, and mutual respect, these pairings can lead to products that are not only user-centric but also technically sound.
Troubleshooting when things don’t feel right
Pairing, like any relationship, can face challenges. If things aren’t flowing, consider these approaches:
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Open communication – Discuss concerns early instead of letting them fester.
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Rotate pairs – If two individuals aren’t meshing, consider rotating to find a better match.
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Re-establish objectives – Make sure both individuals are clear on their roles and the goals of the pairing.
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Seek feedback – Sometimes, an external perspective can highlight unseen friction points.
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Change the pairing style – If the traditional style of pairing isn’t yielding the desired results, it might be beneficial to explore and adapt different pairing styles. Just as every individual is unique, so is every pairing relationship. For instance, instead of a strict navigator-driver model, teams might experiment with a more fluid, role-switching style.
Get started
Pairing, a concept once reserved for developers, has paved its way into the broader world of product development. By promoting a culture of collaboration, openness, and mutual respect, pairing becomes more than just a technique. It becomes a philosophy. Whether you’re navigating code or navigating user needs, two heads, as they say, are better than one.
Want to pair with us at Tanzu Labs? Drop us a line!
Additional resources
Pairing for Product Managers – Insightful perspectives on the collaborative dynamics of pairing product managers for enhanced decision-making and productivity. Dive into the details.
Paired Programming Essentials – Foundations of paired programming as a pivotal practice in modern application development. Explore the framework.
