New Head of Product: A 30-Day Strategy for Success

Transitioning into a new role as the Head of Product can be both exhilarating and daunting. Especially when guiding a product that serves millions of active users, as is the case with Teachers Pay Teachers (TPT). The first 30 days are critical in setting the tone for your tenure. Here's a comprehensive strategy to help you get started.

Setting Goals for the First 30 Days

As the new Head of Product, it's important to align your goals with the company's broader objectives. Work closely with your colleagues to define these goals. The immediate priorities and the current state of the team will play a crucial role. Seek advice from your peers, as their insights will be invaluable in shaping your approach.

One of the key focuses should be to delve into the company's planning and execution processes. For instance, if your company uses Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), you should familiarize yourself with these. Understand how teams are tracking progress against these objectives, and what the priorities are for the current quarter or plan cycle. Additionally, finding out the budget for your department is essential.

Getting to Know Your Broader Leadership and Team

Effective collaboration starts with building strong relationships. As a Head of Product, you're not an individual contributor. Spend your first 30 days getting to know your product managers, designers, and the broader leadership team. Initiate lunch and coffee chats with as many team members as possible. Engage them in conversations about their journeys to the company, their priorities, and what motivates them.

It's also important to build trust and rapport with your team. Communicate your management style and establish a 1:1 meeting cadence. Each team member has unique strengths, so it's vital to understand their backgrounds and preferences. By establishing deep connections, you set the foundation for successful collaboration.

Understanding How Work Gets Done

A deeper understanding of the product development lifecycle is crucial. Attend as many team meetings as possible and take thorough notes. This will provide you with insights into how work gets done, from sprint planning to decision-making processes. Understanding the sprint cycle, product building process, and decision-making culture will help you align your strategies with the team's workflow.

Additionally, identify key decision-makers and influencers across the organization. Regularly engage with them to stay informed about the company's direction and any changes that might impact the product roadmap.

Establishing Alignment with Your CEO

The first 30 days should also involve aligning your vision with your CEO's. By the end of this period, you and your CEO should have a shared understanding of the overall context for defining product strategy. If this context is not yet defined, consider making it one of your initial tasks. Working closely with your CEO will ensure a coordinated approach to product development and ensure that everyone is pulling in the same direction.

Conclusion

Embarking on your journey as the new Head of Product is an exciting yet challenging endeavor. By following this 30-day strategy, you'll be well-equipped to set the tone and direction for your new role. Remember to be flexible, listen actively, and maintain open lines of communication with your team and leadership. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of the team's dynamics and the ability to foster a collaborative environment.