#37🐒Core PM Skills - What is to be a Product Manager with ADHD? (Part 1)

Practical definitions for being a product manager and having ADHD.

Welcome to Tech Atypically 👋, your weekly blog that explores the intersection of ADHD, product management, and the complexities of a neurodiverse life. In each issue, I help you navigate the challenges of ADHD and being in the tech industry.

Part 12 of the Book of ADHD Product Management, a guide to navigating the basic principles of product management and ADHD.

In this chapter, I define my personal meanings for being a product manager and ADHD.

🐼Connect with me for free ADHD help

⭐Introduction

What does it mean to be a product manager (PM)?

What does it mean to have Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)?

What does it mean to be a PM with ADHD?

I realized that I started writing this“book” on ADHD and product management but I haven’t defined what ADHD and product management are.

I assumed you already knew. And you probably know a lot better than I do.

I have 39 posts about the topic but I think it’s important I tell you my personal definitions of what PMs and ADHD are so we’re on the same page.

Think of it as my introduction chapter to this “book”. Without it, it would be a crappy book with no point of reference. Instead of just being a crappy book (yay, self-deprecating humor).

Let’s dive into my definitions of a product manager and ADHD.

I miss these meetings. Miro is nice and all but I do like putting stickers everywhere.

🐫What is a product manager?

Before I state what I think being a PM is, I want you to be aware of the great books that can better define it. Marty Kagan, The Product School, and Theresa Torres have more thoughtful definitions than what I’m about to give you. Be warned.

A PM 4 key aspects

1. Be a multiplier to your stakeholders

2. Navigate the unknown

3. Write, present, talk, juggle, de-escalate, whatever needs to be done

4. The first to get blamed, the last to be praised

This can be summed up in one sentence:

• PMs work with whomever they can build new shit that delights customers and gets your company paid (hopefully).

PMs build new stuff.

Not just any kind of stuff. New stuff that requires dreaming, art, research, decision-making, and shots in the dark. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t work. Regardless, you keep making stuff.

Whether you’re making pet food, software, or speakers for a pool deck, if you resonate with all 4 points above, congrats you’re a product manager. Whether you like it or not.

🦚What is ADHD?

If you want more thoughtful and science-backed definitions of ADHD, read what Dr. Hallowell, Raised on Ritalin, or what the DSM-5 has to say. Don’t listen to me, I have ADHD and didn’t finish reading them. (kidding, I did after forcing myself to, so I could make this joke)

My ADHD definition:

• ADHD is an emotional regulation disorder that can cause intense and unpredictable emotional changes, which often manifest with physical symptoms of inattention, hyperfocus, or a combination of both.

It’s an emotional thing, not attention

Attention is not the core problem. Attention is the bi-product and physical expression of having dysregulated emotions.

It’s all you can see of others though, so you slap an attention label on it.

You can’t tell what I’m really feeling inside unless I tell you.

👻You can’t see emotions

You can’t see the mess of emotions going on inside other people with ADHD, or anyone really. You just see the person scrolling social media or watching TV all day.

You don’t see the feeling of burnout from their day job that is so bad they don’t know how to deal with their own life outside of work.

You see what you see and make your judgments.

Sometimes it’s judgments about yourself on why you “just can’t do the thing”. Or sometimes it’s about others and why they “can’t get their shit together”. It’s sad but true.

That’s normal though. You’re not a complete A-hole, just a human.

✨Conclusion

You can only make decisions about things on what you know. The same concept applies to product management. You can only make a decision about what you know at the time and try to make your best guess. The trick is to learn as much as you can to improve your chances.

For me, it’s been about learning about myself as much as I can to be a better PM and ADHD coach. There’s great power in defining what you think a PM does and defining the gifts you and your ADHD bring to your team.

So join me over the next 4 weeks as I lay bear my strengths and insecurities to help you create your own definition of being a PM with ADHD.

🐼Want to learn more, talk to me.

⏭️Next Week

What is a PM? Part 1 The first to get blamed, the last to be praised.

Recognizing you’re at the mercy of others and how to harness your ADHD to be the ultimate cheerleader.