John Cutler's Hot Take - The Instagram-ification of Product Management is Driving us Crazy (with John Cutler, Product Educator & Author @ The Beautiful Mess)
May 19, 2024
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John Cutler, product educator and author, discusses the unrealistic standards set by the 'Instagram-ification' of product management, causing stress and questioning authenticity. He explores strategies for seeking diverse voices, managing overwhelming content consumption, and navigating challenges in professional development, emphasizing the importance of self-assessment and fulfillment in one's career.
The Instagram-ification of product management sets unrealistic standards, leading to increased stress.
Product managers struggle to apply knowledge practically, hindering career advancement opportunities.
Deep dives
The Impact of Insta-grammification on Product Management
The speaker highlights how the insta-grammification of product management creates unrealistic expectations and stress for individuals in the field. They discuss how social media showcases only the positive aspects, contrasting the harsh reality experienced by many professionals. This discrepancy between perception and reality contributes to elevated stress levels and a sense of inadequacy among product managers.
Challenges in Professional Development for Product Managers
The podcast delves into the challenges faced by product managers in translating acquired knowledge into practical skills in their daily work. The speaker emphasizes the importance of applying learned concepts rather than merely accumulating information. Many product managers find it difficult to advance in their roles due to a lack of opportunities to implement their knowledge effectively.
Navigating Career Expectations and Personal Philosophy
The discussion shifts towards the significance of defining individual career aspirations and establishing a personal philosophy amidst external pressures and industry standards. The speaker critiques the tendency to adopt generic terms like 'empowerment' without reflecting on personal goals and values. They advocate for a more introspective approach to career development, urging professionals to prioritize self-awareness over conforming to external expectations.