I read many books about the first 100 days at your new position. I now reflect on my first 100 days at Symantec. I’ve put a lot of energy into building momentum, casting vision and building my network. I have had a few key successes and continue to build on my success.
As I reflect on my time, there are a few key thoughts that I want to share.
1. I’m living my passion.
“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” -Confucius
While I’ve had success at product management in my career, I left product management for a couple years to live in China and experience everything that comes with living in another country. I was consulting and providing key leadership on an important project within a large Chinese company. While there is reward in seeing a program progress, there is simply nothing in the world like seeing a product succeed and knowing your thoughts, ideas and leadership contributed to its success. Due to the fact that my product resides in the datacenter, I realize most of change in the product will be in the future, but I am seeing the impact on my colleagues and it’s exciting. To put it simply, I really enjoy my work. I have a great manager and I excited for the future. It seems like the time is flying by and my mind is always working on the next best action.
2. I have momentum, but I need to keep it going.
Now that I have momentum, I’ve been thinking about how to best keep it going.
“One way to keep momentum going is to have constantly greater goals.“ -Michael Korda
I’m basically an impatient person, yet I realize it takes time for seeds of thought to reap. It’s so important to let people process the information you are giving them. So, as I let people process this information, I continually think about what actions are next.
Is there another group that needs to understand the what and why of your vision? Have you followed up with them to strengthen the relationship? Are the stakeholders engaged and seeing your vision?
3. I’m adding value to others.
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile.” -Albert Einstein
It’s important to give back. I’ve narrowed down my life purpose to “add value to others.” Every day I want to add value to others. I have really enjoyed meeting new people and contributing to their lives. My wife and I recently went to dinner with a colleague and his new fiancé. There is something special about meeting a young couple with a bright future. I recently met up a few colleagues from previous jobs. It was great catching up on their lives and reminiscing over past successes and discussing current work challenges.
4. I’m a product of my thoughts.
I am a firm believer that we become what we think about. See my article about thinking big.
“The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state…Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are.” -James Allen, As a Man Thinketh
My twitter feed @bobhaa continues to grow and I realize people follow me because of the quotes I post. As a product manager, I believe your thoughts and your leadership define how successful you will be in product management.
We are molded by our thoughts and many times the best thoughts are articulated in the form of quotes. If you are on twitter and follow my quotes, you know what I’m thinking.
Now I am well into my next 100 days and I’m as excited as ever to see the impact I have on the business. I like to challenge myself and continue to grow.
5. I must keep growing my skills.
“Don’t wish it was easier wish you were better. Don’t wish for less problems wish for more skills. Don’t wish for less challenge wish for more wisdom” -Jim Rohn
As a Product Manager, it’s vital to always be adding to your skills. See my article about growing your skills.
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