Introduction
During interviews at top tech companies like FAANG, product managers (PMs) are often thrown questions that test their influence and leadership skills in challenging scenarios. This blog post will tackle the interview question, “How would you influence partner teams to make the right decision when you don’t have supporting data?” The objective here is to demonstrate how a PM can effectively sway decision-making in the absence of robust data, drawing on insights from the book ‘Decode and Conquer: Answers to Product Management Interviews.’
Detailed Guide on Framework Application
The Influence Without Authority (IWA) framework is highly relevant for this discussion, as PMs frequently need to marshal resources and gain the support of cross-functional teams without having direct control.
a. Opting for the IWA Framework
The IWA framework highlights critical aspects of persuasiveness, including relationship-building, mutual benefit discovery, and strategic negotiation techniques. These elements can replace the power of data when it’s not available.
b. Step-by-Step Guide on How to Apply the IWA Framework
- Credibility: Establish your expertise and reliability. Share past successes and experience to build trust.
- Common Goals: Identify shared objectives and articulate how the proposed decision aligns with the team’s overall goals.
- Relationships: Leverage existing relationships and networks to support your initiative. If relationships are new or weak, invest time in strengthening them.
- Exchange: Determine what you can offer in return for support. Highlight mutual benefits and be prepared to make concessions.
- Appeal to Values and Emotions: Understand what drives your stakeholders and appeal to those values or emotional triggers.
- Tactics and Timing: Be strategic in your approach. Use persuasion tactics like consensus building, and choose the right time to push for decisions.
c. Hypothetical Example
Suppose you’re leading a feature development that aims to implement social sharing in an e-commerce platform. Data on user demand is insufficient, yet you believe in the feature’s potential. By discussing shared business values of increasing customer engagement and referencing similar successful features in the market, you build a convincing narrative. You propose a pilot test, providing a safe testing ground and a path for scaling if the pilot results are positive. Your proposal aligns with the team’s goals, and by offering them the lead in the test, it ensures mutual investment in the feature’s success.
d. Facts Checks
Without data, intuition and market understanding become your guides. Make educated assumptions based on industry standards and benchmarks. For instance, social features often drive engagement, and it’s a reasonable bet even without specific data from your user base.
e. Communication Tips
Articulate your vision with confidence, passion, and logical reasoning. Be persuasive but not pushy, and always keep the conversation focused on shared outcomes and benefits. Show empathy and understanding for any reservations your partners might have and be prepared to offer support and collaboration to overcome any hurdles.
Conclusion
Influencing without data in product management interviews underscores a candidate’s skills in leadership, persuasion, and strategic thinking. By applying the IWA framework and focusing on shared goals, credibility, and mutual benefits, aspirants can demonstrate their ability to lead diverse teams towards a unified vision. FAANG PM hopefuls should hone these skills and integrate the IWA framework into their interview practice to master the art of influence in product management scenarios.