Project · Module Project: PM Role Inventory

Hints

If you're not a PM yet — apply this to a PM role you're targeting. The exercise still works.

Expected output

My PM Role Inventory

Variant: Senior Software PM at a Series B SaaS. Scope: own onboarding + activation flow; team of 6 engineers + 2 designers. Variant expectations: ship strategic initiatives, mentor APMs, define area roadmap.

8 Components Self-Assessment (1-5)

• Customer obsession: 4. Talk to customers weekly.
• Written communication: 4. PRDs are praised; my Slack is too verbose.
• Opinionated: 3. Need to say no more.
• Comfort with ambiguity: 5. Strength.
• Technical literacy: 4. Can read code, debug logs.
• Influence without authority: 3. Improving.
• Execution discipline: 4. Hit dates.
• Strategy: 3. Need to connect features → strategy better.

Feature-Factory Diagnosis

• Vanity metrics: yes (we celebrate MAU, ignore retention).
• No post-launch reviews: yes (need to fix).
• Roadmap = wishlist: no (we have a thesis).

Top 2 Growth Areas

1. Strategy: connect every initiative to a thesis. Read Cagan's "Empowered" + write a thesis doc by end of month.
2. Influence: practice saying no with reason. Find a mentor (Director of Product) for monthly 1:1.

Type: Pure software PM.

Stretch goals

1. Share self-assessment with manager. Get their honest feedback.
2. Set up 3 informational interviews with PMs at next-level roles.
3. Read Inspired + Empowered. Take notes.