When we, as Product Managers, use the word “just” to describe a feature we want, we’re subtly (or not so subtly) telling the implementers how we judge its size and/ or complexity.
- “Can’t it just sort the results and display them with the most relevant first?“
- “Can’t you just make it slimmer and lighter so it’s easier to hold?“
- “Can’t you just move Phase 2 earlier so it’s almost like a Phase 1b?“
By using the J-word, we lose credibility.
- We demonstrate that we’re not familiar with the problem.
- We show that we don’t trust the implementers to give us the right answer or to do the right thing.
And the one thing we don’t want to lose is our credibility because it stops those around us from believing in us, believing in what they’re doing, and going the extra mile to deliver for us.
CreatingGreatProducts 