In this episode of the Product Weekend Podcast, host João Moita welcomes Petra Wille, renowned Product Coach and author of Strong Product People and Strong Product Communities. They dive deep into developing strong product teams, the PM Wheel, and the crucial role of psychological safety in fostering high-performing teams.
Key Takeaways:
1. The PM Wheel: A Guide for Product Managers
Petra developed the PM Wheel as a compass for product leaders and managers, helping them assess their skills and set clear expectations. It aids in self-assessment, performance reviews, onboarding, and hiring. She emphasizes the importance of customizing it to fit an organization's needs.
2. Creating Psychological Safety in Product Teams
A safe environment encourages open discussions, innovation, and trust. Leaders must ensure every voice is heard, avoid discrimination, and balance vulnerability with competence. Petra highlights that psychological safety is not just a "nice-to-have"—it directly impacts team performance and engagement.
3. The Importance of Leadership in Product Management
Petra points out that 80% of product professionals feel unsupported in their career development. She urges leaders to be intentional about coaching and to embed continuous feedback and personal development into their one-on-ones.
4. Learning Headlines: A Framework for Growth
Petra introduces Learning Headlines, a structured way to identify skill gaps, set learning goals, and track progress. She advises product managers to focus on one area at a time, using real-world challenges as opportunities for growth.
5. Essential Skills for Aspiring Product Leaders
Two critical skills for product managers looking to step into leadership are feedback and storytelling.
- Feedback: Being able to give and receive constructive feedback is key to growth.
- Storytelling: Product leaders need to communicate strategy effectively and inspire their teams.
Episode resources:
- Petra on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petra-wille-b8b1329/
- Strong Product People books: https://www.strongproductpeople.com/
- PsychSafety definitions: https://psychsafety.com/about-psychological-safety/
- Jeff Gothelf blog post: https://jeffgothelf.com/blog/without-psychological-safety-there-is-no-learning-and-there-is-no-agility/
Timestamps
00:00 Coming Up
00:28 Intro
02:07 Petra's Career Journey
06:50 PM Wheel & Expectations
15:17 Learning Headlines & Future Self
21:49 Balancing Vulnerability & Competence
26:43 Resources on Psych Safety
29:16 Advice for Aspiring Product Leaders