Product Managers and Project Managers Collaboration

Can Product Managers & Project Managers co-exist in the same team?

Of course.

But won't they step on each other's toes?

No, rather they would complement each other.

Assume the product is a tissue box.

As a Product Manager, I define the box dimensions, the thickness, # of tissues per box, the ply count, the messaging & the color.

Ultimately, I define WHAT is made.

The Project Manager, on the other hand, owns the assembly line. He understands the blueprints from the Product Manager & discusses it with his workers . He/she then creates a schedule and marks everyone's shifts/stations. He/she monitors the line too to ensure the tissue box isn't coming out as Dropbox's logo.

The Project Manager raises red flags to in case the blueprint is vague, the machinery is facing unforeseen issues or if box count estimates need to be revised.

So, the Project Manager defines HOW it is made.

But can the Project Manager suggest improvements to the tissue box?

Listen, ANYONE on the team can share an opinion. Discussion, in fact, is essential.

However, deciding what ultimately gets built isn't based on a democracy. The Product Manager has to take the final call as he/she is accountable for the product's success.