The Multifaceted Role of a Product Manager

Product Management is often considered one of the toughest roles in the tech industry. It requires you to be fluent in multiple “languages”—communicating effectively with sales teams, technical experts, and UX designers. However, no matter how skilled you are, it’s impossible to make everyone happy. This reality inevitably leads to conflicts and can result in accumulating detractors, even when your intention is to build strong relationships.

Dealing with Criticism and Blame

As a Product Manager, you become a natural target when things don’t go as planned. If an initiative fails or doesn’t deliver the expected results, people often look to you for accountability. This becomes especially challenging if you’re someone who values approval or seeks to maintain positive relationships. You’ll face criticism from those who are vocal about their opinions, and many will push their agendas, attempting to steer your decisions in ways they feel are best.

Navigating Difficult Personalities

I’ve encountered firsthand how tough it can be to set boundaries with strong and difficult personalities. Working with individuals who treat every discussion as a confrontation, and who sometimes resort to disrespect, is one of the most challenging aspects of the job. In these situations, it can feel like you’re constantly walking a tightrope—if you say “no,” you risk creating an adversary; if you say “yes,” they may take advantage of the perceived power dynamic and treat you as subordinate.

The Power of Self-Reflection

What has helped me cope with these challenges is the practice of introspection. Understanding your values and clearly defining what respect and collaboration mean to you is essential. Once you’ve identified these, you can set clearer boundaries with coworkers. Establishing these boundaries isn’t always easy, but it’s crucial for your mental well-being. Sometimes, you’ll need to reinforce them multiple times to the same person before they understand and respect your limits.

Managing Your Own Psychology

While setting boundaries with others is key, equally important is managing your internal psychology. Developing practices that help you relax and regain emotional control can make a significant difference. For me, breathwork, mindfulness, and physical exercise have been incredibly helpful. These activities allow you to clear your mind, reducing stress and helping you respond more effectively to difficult situations.

Handling Difficult Emotions

Difficult emotions are part and parcel of being a Product Manager. People have their own agendas, and sometimes the feedback you receive will be harsh. While some of it may cut deeply, learning to navigate these emotions is essential. You need to let those emotions surface—whether that’s frustration, anger, or fear—and process them. This might mean addressing the person who gave the feedback to clarify their intentions or to express how you prefer to receive criticism. Other times, it’s a matter of sitting with the emotion for a while, allowing it to pass, and then focusing on the constructive aspects of the feedback.

Finding Purpose in Adversity

In Man’s Search for Meaning, Viktor Frankl wrote about finding purpose in even the most difficult circumstances. He found moments of happiness and meaning while imprisoned in a concentration camp. Similarly, when dealing with difficult colleagues or situations, it helps to anchor yourself to a purpose greater than your own ego. In my case, my higher purpose is to improve people’s lives—whether through my time, ideas, effort, or attention. This sense of purpose has helped me build resilience and stay focused on what truly matters.

Resilience as Your Greatest Ally

Resilience is one of the most valuable skills a Product Manager can develop. In this role, you will inevitably face tough problems, challenging people, and moments of self-doubt. But with a strong sense of inner purpose and the ability to manage your emotions, you can overcome these challenges. Tough problems may come, but resilience will help you rise above them.