How I Learned to Share Ownership With My Product Manager

Working alongside accomplished colleagues can make collaboration both challenging and rewarding. In my experience at Yandex, I witnessed misunderstandings between product experts escalate simple tasks into complicated negotiations. Collaborating effectively requires more than just possessing strong individual skills. It demands mutual understanding and respect for each other's contributions.

During a particular project, I found myself unintentionally overshadowing my product manager partner. As someone who usually took the lead, I inadvertently stifled his confidence by speaking for both of us. This dynamic made it difficult for him to express his ideas and demonstrate his expertise. It wasn't until we reflected on our working styles that we recognized the need to share ownership more equitably.

We implemented several changes to improve our partnership. Regular one-on-one meetings allowed us to discuss each other's needs and concerns. By doing so, we ensured that both perspectives were considered during product reviews. This approach helped us create a more balanced and productive working environment.

My experience with my product manager partner mirrored the dynamics I observed in advertising agencies, where two specialists often collaborated seamlessly to produce outstanding work. I began to apply this approach to my own work in product management and design, recognizing that effective collaboration involves a clear division of responsibilities.

Three recurring patterns emerged from my observations: the PM drives, the designer executes, and the PM defines the problem. However, these patterns are not rigid guidelines but flexible frameworks that can be adapted to suit the needs of each project. The key is to involve both the PM and designer from the outset, ensuring that their unique skills contribute throughout the entire process.

By sharing ownership and embracing a more collaborative approach, we were able to enhance our creative partnership and produce better outcomes. This experience taught me the importance of adaptability, open communication, and a willingness to consider alternative perspectives. Ultimately, a successful partnership hinges on recognizing that each person brings something valuable to the table, and by working together, we can achieve more than we ever could individually.