When Stakeholders Play Product Manager
Have you ever been in a meeting where stakeholders come with solutions already in hand, making you feel like you’re just there to execute? It can be disheartening, especially when those ideas come from senior leaders. Over the years, through more than a few tough experiences, I’ve learned how to navigate these situations while still keeping the focus on solving the real problem.
Shift the Conversation
When a stakeholder suggests a solution, try saying, "That’s a great idea. What problem are we trying to solve?" Adding, “And how will we measure success?” can help uncover the real issue and ensure alignment with the strategy. Yes, this even works with the big-3 consultants.
Listen; Really Listen
We’re all wired to jump to solutions, but it’s crucial to listen and dig deeper. I once worked with a stakeholder who was so convinced their solution was right that they brought mockups and a timeline. By asking questions like, “How are you so confident this will work?” and “Why the rush?” I discovered this problem had been around for years, and the stakeholder had monetary incentives to get it fixed quickly. While that highlighted some deeper organizational and cultural issues, it really helped us get on the same page.
Involve Stakeholders Early
Engage stakeholders in defining the problem from the start. This approach not only builds trust but also leads to more effective solutions by focusing on the actual issue. Early collaboration fosters a sense of ownership and partnership, which is especially crucial in large, siloed companies.
Align Solutions with Customers & Strategy
Always evaluate solutions against your product’s goals and customer needs. I can’t stress enough how crucial this is—over 80% of features fail to meet users’ needs, resulting in enormous waste. Aligning solutions with strategic goals ensures the team’s efforts are focused on adding real value. But just as importantly, this approach centers your work around what truly matters: delivering meaningful, impactful experiences for customers. This means regularly engaging with your customers, understanding their pain points, and validating that the solutions you pursue genuinely meet their needs.
Disagree & Commit
Sometimes, you need to agree to try a stakeholder’s solution, even if you have reservations. This is inspired by Amazon’s approach, where you commit fully to an idea even if you disagree. It’s a way to validate ideas while showing you value their input. If the solution fails, it highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the problem—without you having to say “I told you so.”
As a product coach, I see this all the time with new product managers and leaders. Remember, you do have agency, and mastering stakeholder management can turn these challenging interactions into opportunities for better alignment and successful outcomes. Did I miss anything you do? I’d love to hear your thoughts!