6 Stoic Principles That Apply to Product Management
Whether you're new to Stoicism or well-versed in its teachings, I hope you'll find this post thought-provoking and helpful in your work as a Product Manager.
One of the most obvious yet underrated skills you can develop as a Product Manager is the ability to juggle a variety of priorities and tasks, all whilst staying focused on the main objective(s) you are working on. For those of you who are looking for tips to help you stay organised and motivated, Stoicism may be just the answer.
Later in this post, I will briefly outline six principles from this ancient Greek philosophy which can be used as guiding principles for successful product management.
But first, what is Stoicism?
With its focus on self-discipline and resilience, Stoicism provides valuable lessons for Product Managers in terms of how to approach their work.
Stoicism is a philosophy that originated in ancient Greece and was founded by philosopher Zeno of Citium. It emphasises the role of reason in understanding and accepting the natural world, and suggests that people should strive to act in accordance with reason and virtue, rather than being controlled by their emotions or external circumstances.
According to Stoicism, the natural world is rational and governed by universal laws, and people should use their reason to understand these laws and align their actions with them. This means accepting whatever happens in life, whether good or bad, as part of the natural order of things.
Stoicism also emphasises the importance of virtue, or living in accordance with moral values such as wisdom, justice, courage, and self-control. The Stoics believed that living a virtuous life was essential for achieving happiness and living in harmony with the natural world.
Stoicism has had a significant influence on Western philosophy and has influenced many other philosophical and religious traditions, including Christianity, Neoplatonism, and the philosophy of the Renaissance. It has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, with many people finding inspiration in Stoic teachings on how to live a good and fulfilling life.
How can Stoicism help Product Managers?
The Stoic philosophy is an ancient way of life that focuses on practical wisdom and self-control. This mindset can have great benefits for Product Managers, as it teaches us to be mindful and intentional in our work. Being a Stoic helps Product Managers to maintain an even keel in the face of uncertainty, stay focused on what matters most, and remain calm under pressure.
By adopting a Stoic mindset, Product Managers can better navigate the challenges and uncertainties of their role and create products that truly serve the needs of their customers. Whether you're new to Stoicism or well-versed in its teachings, I hope you'll find this post thought-provoking and helpful in your work as a Product Manager.
6 Stoic Principles For Product Managers
Accept what you cannot control: As a Product Manager you must accept that there are unpredictable events or circumstances, good or bad, that you have no control over. Focus your energy instead on those areas where you do have control and influence. By embracing this mindset, you can approach challenges and setbacks with a sense of equanimity and resilience, rather than becoming overwhelmed or discouraged.
Prioritise tasks and make decisions with clarity: As a Product Manager, you will often have to make decisions under uncertainty and pressure, so the ability to think clearly and rationally can be essential for making good decisions. Through self-discipline, a Stoic PM can prioritise tasks more effectively and make decisions with confidence.
Remain focused on the goal at hand: A Stoic PM will stay focused on the task at hand, disregarding any distractions or feelings of anxiety which come your way.
Practice mindfulness: As a Stoic PM, it is important you remain aware of your thoughts and emotions in order to be more productive in your work.
Remain resilient under pressure: The Stoic philosophy encourages individuals to persevere even when things become difficult and to maintain an inner sense of calmness in stressful situations.
Take responsibility for one's actions: By accepting personal responsibility for their actions, a Stoic product manager can use failures as learning opportunities and strive for constant improvement in their career path.
Stoic Resources
If you’re interested in learning more about the philosophy of Stoicism, here are some helpful resources to browse through:
