Stefan
Latest posts by Stefan (see all)
As senior product managers in the fast-paced tech world, we’re constantly reminded of the need to upskill software engineers rapidly. Learning in the moment is no longer a “nice-to-have,” it’s essential. AI-powered learning and development (L&D) tools are at the forefront of this revolution, offering personalized, just-in-time support that unblocks engineers and accelerates their growth.
But here’s the hard truth: Building an amazing AI L&D tool isn’t enough. If it never reaches the hands of real users, it’s like a powerful engine without fuel – it has potential, but it won’t go anywhere.
The End User: Your True North
You’ve meticulously crafted mockups. You’ve gathered feedback from trusted testers (who may be a bit too kind, let’s be honest). You’ve refined your product based on internal insights. This is all valuable, but it’s a carefully controlled environment.
Real users are unpredictable. They have diverse workflows, varying levels of expertise, and unique pain points that your internal team might not fully grasp. They’ll stress-test your product in ways you never imagined, uncovering hidden flaws and surprising use cases.
The Data Goldmine
The data you collect from real users is pure gold. It’s not just about usage metrics – it’s about understanding how your product fits into their daily lives. You’ll see what features are truly valuable, where they struggle, and how they adapt your tool to their needs. This data-driven feedback loop is the engine that drives continuous improvement and ensures your product remains relevant and effective.
The Last Mile Resistance
As you near the finish line, it’s common to feel a strange resistance. Doubts creep in. You worry about imperfections, about negative feedback, about not meeting unrealistic expectations. This is where many promising products stumble.
Remember, the biggest risk isn’t a bad product experience – it’s not launching at all. A flawed product in the hands of users can be iterated and improved upon. A perfect product that never sees the light of day is a missed opportunity, a sunk cost, and a disservice to your potential users.
Embrace the Launch
Shipping your product is an act of courage. It’s a statement that you believe in your vision, that you trust your team, and that you’re committed to learning and growing alongside your users.
Yes, there will be challenges. But the rewards – the impact on engineers’ careers, the data-driven insights, the opportunity to iterate and improve – far outweigh the risks.
So, my fellow product managers, let’s embrace the full product execution cycle. Let’s get our AI L&D tools into the hands of real users, collect their valuable feedback, and continuously refine our products to empower the software engineers of tomorrow.
Remember: Shipping is just the beginning.
Take Action 🎬
📅 Book a private coaching session with me to grow your PM career. I will share my 15+ years of experience as a Product Manager, all my learning and pitfalls, with actionable tips and concrete lessons to model after.
📚 To learn the foundations of Product Management, I recommend reading INSPIRED by Marty Cagan. Marty has been leading the Silicon Valley Product Group for over two decades. His work is foundational for Tech Product Managers – a must read.
📚 To learn how to start with Why, I recommend Start with Why, by Simon Sinek. Simon is a genius when it comes to articulating the factors which will forever transform how your team thinks about purpose. If you struggle converting your group to a team of doers, instill more motivation, and truly transform the way you work together, this is the book for you.
📚 For iterative product discovery, check out Continuous Discovery Habits, by Teresa Torres. It presents a structured & scalable approach to continuous product discovery which will enable you and your team to act.
📚 To learn from Jeff Bezos, read the book Invent and Wander: The Collected Writings of Jeff Bezos, With an Introduction by Walter Isaacson. A remarkable and inspiring collection of the investor letters from Bezos as Amazon becomes a leading force in innovation in multiple sectors in tech.
