Monday was a bank holiday in the UK, which meant I had a long weekend for myself. Which I spent by literally not doing anything and binge-watching Dexter. As we wait for 2 new seasons – a prequel and a sequel – thought I’d share some thoughts about product management inspired by ‘America’s favorite serial killer’.
Lesson 1: Time Management and Prioritization
Dexter leads a double life, balancing the family, his day job, and his secret life. These worlds often collide and even from a purely logistical perspective of doing what and when, tremendous time management skills are required.
Going hand-in-hand with time management (when) is prioritization – asking what and why.
(Much like Dexter, a product manager often wears multiple hats, balancing the needs of different stakeholders. A good product manager needs to find a good way to manage competing interests at all times.)
Lesson 2: Attention to Details
Dexter is meticulous in his work, whether in forensics or his… side projects. Attention to detail is critical for product managers.
Lesson 3: Customer Obsession
Dexter is highly attuned to the behaviors and patterns of those around him, especially those he targets. He studies them meticulously to understand their motivations and predict their actions.
Lesson 4: Continuous Learning, Iteration and Improvement
Dexter learns from his mistakes and continually refines his methods. He is always learning from his experiences, and this evolution is the key to his survival. Likewise, a growth mindset enables product managers to continuously improve their products and their approach.
Lesson 5: Focus on Core Competency
Dexter knows his strengths — his forensic skills and his ability to remain undetected. He leverages these core competencies to achieve his goals.
Similarly, product managers should know and focus on their product’s core competencies – creating a product that stands out in the market by leaning into them.
Any other lessons? 🙂