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By Lenny Rachitsky · lennysnewsletter.com · @lennysan on X · YouTube · LinkedIn
Lenny Rachitsky answers a question from a newly minted product manager by describing five common early-career pitfalls: acting as a coordinator, a dictator, a dreamer, a feature factory, and a shield failing to filter noise. For each, he lists warning signs and practical ways to course-correct, ending with a push to build strong habits rather than fixate on mistakes.
Subscriber post — summary only01Key takeaways
- A PM should always form a point of view rather than just coordinating other people's work.
- Lead through influence and trust, not force, since teammates are peers who expect their input heard.
- Keep strategy and vision work small so immediate team execution needs are still met.
- Shipping is not success unless the work drives business impact and advances a written strategy.
- Protect makers from ad hoc interruptions by filtering requests and routing questions through the PM.
Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.