He is probably the Einstein of our times. However, I consider Elon Musk to be a boss Product Manager. So, what makes him such a good Product Manager?
An important thing to note is that whether you are a Product Manager or a Product Owner, Elon Musk’s techniques can easily be used by you.
And I hope you know the differences between a Product Manager and a Product Owner.
Not to forget the differences between a Product Manager and a Project Manager.
Elon Musk Projects
He has built tremendous products, from electric cars to spaceships.
How can a single person build so many wildly different products? It is because Elon Musk is product agnostic.
The recent SpaceX launch was a testatment to the greatness of the man and his vision.
The same goes for Tesla.
Electric cars were derided as being too geeky and ineffcient.
These cars were not taken seriously by consumers. These were only meant for enthusiasts.
However, Elon changed all that with the launch of Tesla.
Electric cars were now considered cool.
These became an aspirational product and turbo charged the product life cycle of electric cars.
Elon Musk, The Product Manager
A close look at his working style will make you want to sit up, take notice and stop wasting time.
He is the definition of efficiency.
Do you know when Google started out as a startup in 1990s, what was their strategy to ensure success? The framework that Google used is now legendary, and it is the OKR Framework.
Every Product Manager must know the basics of the OKR Framework.
You need to have this framework in mind to make sure that you are efficient.
Elon Musk Leadership Style
Here, I examine Elon Musk’s top 3 personality traits that should be imbibed by all budding Product Managers.
- Relentless Innovation
- Hustle, Hustle, Hustle
- Punishing Work Ethic
Let’s take a close look at each of these individual qualities.
Relentless Innovation
We have all heard of Elon Musk’s mind-boggling plans for space travel. But was he the first one to come up with those ideas? Probably not, ideas around interplanetary travel have been around since most of us were born. Only a great Product Manager can transform difficult ideas into reality.
At the same time, it is important to make sure that you don’t over-complicate your ideas. You should be able to explain your ideas in simple language to your target audience. For that to happen, the idea first needs to be fully thought out it in your own head. And remember, whenever you present anything, always remember the KISS principle!
To transform your ideas into reality, you need to have excellent communication skills. You should be able to seamlessly communicate your ideas to your scrum teams. Remember, crystal clear communication is an art. Learn how to communicate like a boss!
Now would also be a great time to make sure you remember all the must have Product Manager skills.
Hustle, Hustle, Hustle
A great Product Manager has got to be a hustler. People will try to shut you down and disregard your ideas. You think Elon Musk ever gets bogged down? Absolutely not.
You will face challenges and you will fail. The important thing is to get back up and get going.
Make a schedule and stick to it. Use all the tools at your disposal. You should know the basics of Jira, and you should definitely remember the top 15 benefits of Kanban. Not to forget the top 15 benefits of Scrum.
During difficult times, your job as a Product Manager becomes all the more important. You are expected to lead from the front and provide clarity. For example, learn how to manage products effectively during the current Coronavirus crisis.
Punishing Work Ethic
We all have great dreams. But how many of us actually wake up and try to turn those dreams into reality? Not very many. But, Elon Musk does precisely that. You will see articles about him that say that he “works” 120 hours a week.
I suspect he will have a slightly different opinion. I think he wouldn’t consider those 120 hours as a separate entity of his work. Every hour of every day would be spent in thinking about how to make his products better.
And don’t get me wrong, nobody is asking you to become a workaholic. I am a stronger believer in work-life balance. Thinking about how to make your products better can happen anytime, anywhere – while watching TV, while enjoying a book, while sipping on a nice cup of tea, etc.
The work ethic of a Product Manager is important, but you already know that. But, do you own your product like your life depended on it? No? Then, start doing it today.
Also, do you know how to grab opportunities like Warren Buffett?
Elon Musk Quotes
Let me go over some of my favorite quotes from Elon Musk.
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favour.
Elon Musk
The odds were definitely stacked against him when he ventured into the space industry.
Great companies are built on great products.
Elon Musk
Tesla has become such an aspirational product that electric cars have now captured the fancy of even traditional car companies.
Good ideas are always crazy until they’re not.
Elon Musk
Elon Musk has built great products and will continue to build great products.
Conclusion – Elon Musk, a Champ Product Manager
At the same time, you need to stay Agile. Understanding the basics of Agile methodology will help you to not get upset when things don’t go your way. Pivoting is important when you can see that something is not working. And there is absolutely no place for ego.
Do you know the key differences between Agile and Waterfall?
We all know that Elon Musk is a rare entrepreneur and his success doesn’t come easy. But, what matters is that we give it our best shot – each and every day. Hopefully, you now understand what makes Elon Musk a champ Product Manager.