How to Build a Rockstar Product Management Team

Building a strong product management team involves more than just hiring talented individuals; it requires assembling a group committed to collaboration and problem-solving. Olivia Ryan, a software project and product lead at Slingshot, emphasizes the importance of communication, flexibility, and an adventurous spirit in her team, which serves as the primary link between clients and developers and guides product strategy. Ryan highlights the need for product managers to be adaptable, given the diverse nature of Slingshot's clients, and advises paying attention to candidates' expectations during the hiring process to ensure they are willing to take on varied responsibilities. In a remote work environment, maintaining excellent communication is crucial, and Ryan suggests utilizing tools like Slack plugins for asynchronous standups to keep teams connected across time zones. Successful product management teams are built around an organization's core values, which should guide both the hiring process and ongoing team engagement to enhance user experience and client satisfaction.