“We may not have control over the virus yet, but we do have control over our response to it.” – Alaina Love.
Given the nature of our ever-changing situation right now due to COVID-19, we know that Product Managers are dealing with challenges that go beyond their product management careers right now. Therefore, the articles included below cover a broader range than usual of recently-published articles.
Wishing you the best! (You’ve got this!)
Interesting Reads
For You as a Leader
1. A Guide to Managing Your (Newly) Remote Workers
This article presents research-based steps that managers can take without great effort to improve the engagement and productivity of remote employees, even when there is little time to prepare. (HBR)
2. Four Actions to Be a Strong Leader During COVID-19 Disruption
“In my opinion, the leader’s primary responsibility is to keep the team safe, cohesive and productive.” Mary Mesaglio, Research VP and Distinguished Analyst with Gartner’s CIO research team, shares tips on what you should be focused on as a leader in the midst of a global disruption. (Gartner)
3. Five Strategies to Manage Your Newly Remote Employees
“Effective remote working teams don’t just require the right technology—they require the right leadership.” Time management coach Elizabeth Grace Saunders shares five strategies when managing newly remote team members. (Fast Company)
4. Leading Your Team Through Crisis
“We may not have control over the virus yet, but we do have control over our response to it.” Alaina Love, CEO of Purpose Linked Consulting, explains some important practices to put into place for remote workers that can reinforce interpersonal and organizational connection among your team and reduce employee stress levels. (Smart Brief)
For You as a Product Manager Working from Home
1. Virtual Meetings Don’t Have to Be a Bore
Check out tips for embracing the differences and making the most of a format you might not yet be comfortable with. (HBR)
2. Documentation is Key When Working Remotely
“The Coronavirus outbreak that led to massive remote work reminded me how documentation helps keep productivity,” writes Guy Molho, Associate Director of Global AI Product Management at Ernst & Young. This article will help you document everything in the best way. (Product Coalition)
3. A Leader’s Transition Guide to Working from Home
“There are three aspects to enabling success when working or leading from home: 1) Home set-up, 2) Company Culture, and 3) Tooling.” Connie Kwan, VP Product at Product Maestro, shares her tips in leading remote teams. (Medium)
4. Working from Home During a COVID-19 Movement Restriction / Partial Lockdown
How do I work with my spouse / partner / kids all at home? How do I get work done? Colin Pal, CPO at CaterSpot, shares his experience of working remote. (Colin Pal)
Join over 1200 product managers to exchange and learn about hot PM topics from 70+ speakers at Product Management Festival Europe on Nov 11-12 in Zurich. Stay tuned for our PMF Europe 2020 speaker announcements
For You as a Person
And because we are all humans, please don’t forget to practice some self-care. You deserve it! A couple recently-published articles for yourself:
1. How to Maintain Your Mental Health while Working from Home
Working where you live is not as easy as it sounds, especially if you have other people in the space. Here’s how to avoid the darker side of remote work. (Fast Company)
2. Doing the 7-Minute Workout Daily Can Actually Add Years to Your Life
Seven minutes. It isn’t a very long time. But it is also the perfect amount of time for an effective workout, according to science. Be sure to try one of the workouts using the embedded video! (The Ladders)
For You as a Caretaker
1. Supporting Families During COVID-19
“We know parents are struggling to balance work, child care and self-care while keeping worries — both your children’s and your own — under control. You don’t have to do it alone.” Explore the clinical and supportive resources of the Child Mind Institute! (Child Mind Institute)
Need more ideas for kid activities? (But please know that these are merely suggestions we’ve come across to add to your bag of ideas. You are already an amazing parent! Take or leave as you wish. 😊
2. Giant List of Ideas for Being Home with Kids
The title says it all. Explore this huge list of suggestions for spending time with your kids! (Princess Awesome & Boy Wonder)
3. How to Homeschool for Free
Explore some interesting options in this article for high-quality yet free homeschooling resources. (Thought Co.)
A few laughs for the day(s)
4. The Funniest Tweets From Parents This Week
Kids may say the darndest things, but parents tweet about them in the funniest ways. HuffPost posts each week the most hilarious 280-character quips from moms and dads to spread the joy. (HuffPost)
We wish you a great week!
The Product Management Festival Team