# The Importance of Having a Point of View in Product Management
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Chapter 1: The Role of Opinions in Product Management
In my experiences with various product managers and designers, I've encountered a recurring trend: some individuals hesitate to express their opinions. Common phrases from these individuals include "let the team decide," "it doesn't concern me," or "I lack sufficient information."
While it's completely valid to acknowledge your limitations or lack of expertise, it shouldn't prevent you from forming a well-defined perspective. Here are several compelling reasons to always have an opinion.
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Section 1.1: Fostering Team Collaboration
Your responsibilities extend beyond merely coordinating tasks or adjusting elements in design software. As a product professional, you play a crucial role in providing fresh insights and igniting creativity within your team. When team members are devoid of ideas or viewpoints, initiating meaningful discussions can become a significant challenge.
By cultivating informed opinions—whether derived from personal experience or fundamental research—you can facilitate progress and stimulate productive conversations among your colleagues.
Subsection 1.1.1: A Catalyst for Growth
It's easy to say you lack an opinion, but forming one is a more challenging endeavor. If you're unable to express a viewpoint due to insufficient knowledge or experience, it's essential to actively seek the information needed to develop an informed stance.
Having a perspective compels you to delve deeper into relevant topics, understand the business landscape, appreciate customer needs, and grasp product dynamics. The more knowledgeable you are, the easier it becomes to articulate your opinion. If you struggle to form a viewpoint, consider it a cue that your understanding of the subject requires enhancement.
Section 1.2: The Value of Weak Opinions
You don't always need extensive research or comprehensive data to support every assertion. Sometimes, even a gut feeling can provide a valuable starting point.
Starting with a tentative opinion allows you and your team to engage in discussions, and as new insights emerge, it’s perfectly acceptable to adjust your stance accordingly. In the long run, initiating conversations with a weak perspective and refining it over time is far more effective than beginning with a blank slate.
Although there are instances when we might be distracted by new topics, frequently stating "I have no opinion on this matter" can also translate to "I didn’t invest enough effort into understanding the challenge." This is certainly not the example you wish to set.
Chapter 2: Enhancing Perspectives through Learning
Understanding how to create a product that resonates with customers is crucial for product managers. In this video titled "Value Props: Create a Product People Will Actually Buy," you’ll discover strategies to develop value propositions that truly engage users.
In this insightful video, "How to be the best coach to product people | Petra Wille (Strong Product People)," Petra Wille shares effective coaching techniques for product professionals, empowering them to excel in their roles.