An Introverted Product Manager

Can introverts be Product Managers?
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Sure, PMs need to be stellar collaborators to be effective but that doesn't necessarily mean they have to be outgoing & overtly expressive.

In fact, the COVID era has forced PMs to adopt a setup more suited to introverts and see how they'd typically play ball.

Luckily, PMs have a wide communication gamut beyond face-to-face meetups. Emails, JIRA and Slack, if used thoughtfully, are potent ways to discuss, influence and conclude.

I was classified as an INFJ when I took the Myers-Briggs test. That roughly translates to an introvert with a certain capacity for social engagement.

I've preferred email and ticketing tools to collaborate in my career. I've liked creating value from my desk. That's my default comfort zone.

However, when the need arises, I've learnt how to toggle my mode to video calls, interviews and group sessions. Just enough to get the job done.

It worked out just fine.

Introverts can still develop comraderies and command respect of a team without being "out there".

It requires communicating in some form consistently and clearly. It also demands showing evidence that you know the customer better than anyone.