What are some key responsibilities of a Product Manager as described in 'Cracking the PM Interview'?

Cracking the PM Interview" presents several innovative ideas about the role of a Product Manager (PM). One surprising insight is that PMs often have to cover gaps in various areas such as design, content writing, and even public relations. This highlights the versatility and adaptability required in a PM role. Another innovative idea is the concept of leading without authority. PMs set the product vision, strategy, and define success, but they don't have direct authority over their team members. This requires PMs to lead through influence and persuasion, rather than through direct control.

A Product Manager leading without authority might face several challenges. Firstly, they may struggle to gain the respect and trust of their team members, which can lead to a lack of cooperation or conflict within the team. Secondly, they may find it difficult to influence decision-making or drive the product vision and strategy forward. Lastly, they may face resistance when trying to implement changes or new initiatives. To overcome these challenges, a Product Manager could focus on building strong relationships with their team members, demonstrating their expertise and value, and communicating effectively. They could also seek to gain buy-in from senior management or other key stakeholders to support their decisions and initiatives.