Each week I scour articles, wading through the dogs, and bringing you the best insights to help product managers and innovators be heroes.

 

4 tools to help product managers better understand customers. The article is written from the perspective of improving email marketing, but they are really about understanding customers and providing them value. Check it out at https://blog.returnpath.com/4-product-management-tools-help-become-better-email-marketer/

A successful design sprint is all about process and people. One problem, five days, and five people are the makings of a design sprint. A successful design sprint occurs by following a few firm guidelines, including who is in charge, what is written, where people are located, etc. Get the guidelines at https://www.mindtheproduct.com/2017/10/design-sprint-better-real-life-keep-vibes-week-finishes/

31 too common errors to avoid as a product owner. Weak product owners decrease the effectiveness of Scrum. Avoiding common mistakes puts you on the path to success. Read all 31 at https://age-of-product.com/product-owner-anti-patterns/

12 lessons from childhood that make you a better product manager. (1) Be curious, (2) don’t get stuck in the past, (3) find creative solutions, and nine more at https://www.productplan.com/lessons-product-managers-learn-from-kids/

Creating a culture of innovation in large organizations. I had the pleasure of interviewing the director of Pitney Bowes Product Management Council earlier this year. In this interview on Launchstreet she shares how an old and established company is creating an innovation culture. Listen or read the summary at https://www.gotolaunchstreet.com/podcast/felicia-anderson/

4 ways leaders can get more from innovation efforts. (1) Don’t get trapped in your P&L, (2) focus on problems, not ideas, (3) classify the problem before you decide on a problem, and (4) build for the few, not the many. Read about each at https://hbr.org/2017/10/4-ways-leaders-can-get-more-from-their-companys-innovation-efforts