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How to prioritize effectively — as a new or aspiring product manager
In part twelve of this series, I want to help you prioritize effectively — as a new or aspiring product manager. Here is the previous post from this series.
“I try to prioritize in a way that generates momentum. The more I get done, the better I feel, and then the more I get done. I like to start and end each day with something I can really make progress on” — Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI and Former President of Y-Combinator (Source).
These are the top strategies that have worked well for me to efficiently prioritize and effectively organize my schedule as a PM.
Prioritizing as a PM
The Impact and Effort Matrix
Understanding the impact and effort matrix can be one of the most effective ways to prioritize your day. There are four quadrants to the matrix: you need to have a mix of quick wins and progress on major projects — as well as making time for completion of thankless tasks and fill-ins.
Prioritizing by the level impact and feasibility can help you channel your energy efficiently as a PM.
Work on the most important thing for that day and then work on the most important things for that week. Plan out what isn’t urgent and what can be done later.
Also, lists are great. Prioritize the list itself: it may help to avoid creating a never-ending to do list, as you’ll always have work to do. You can write tasks for yourself, but if you don’t need to do it — learn when to say yes, know when to say no, and understand how to delegate.
The Art of Saying “Yes” and “No”
The art of saying “yes” is simple: if the effort required for delivering value is worth it for the customer, the company, and your team — do it. You can always say yes to more, but equally, you need to learn how to say no.
