Product manager vs. product owner: They’re not interchangeable

Janet's journey as a new product manager in a company highlights the complexities and distinctions between the roles of a product manager and a product owner, both of which are crucial yet often misunderstood in product development. The product manager is responsible for understanding market needs and strategizing product direction, focusing on long-term goals and external relationships. In contrast, the product owner operates at a tactical level, concentrating on the development and implementation of products, ensuring short-term objectives are met by collaborating closely with development teams. While both roles are integral to the product's success, they require different skill sets, with the product manager needing strong business acumen and strategic thinking, and the product owner benefiting from technical knowledge and project management abilities. The text emphasizes that despite some overlap, clarity in these roles is essential to avoid confusion and ensure that products are built both right and effectively meet customer needs.