The engineering and product manager collaboration is essential for building products that customers love. However, this partnership can be challenging, especially for product managers without a technical background.

To foster a strong collaboration and high-performing team, here are eight tips for working with engineers:

1. Learn Technical Concepts

• Understand key engineering concepts: This will facilitate smoother conversations and help you translate requirements into technical implementations.
• Take online courses: Platforms like Coursera and YouTube offer courses on computer engineering concepts, coding, and system design.
• Ask questions: Don’t hesitate to ask engineers for clarification on technical terms or concepts.

2. Align on Problems, Not Solutions

• Focus on the problem: Empower engineers to solve problems creatively by providing them with a clear understanding of the issue.
• Avoid over-prescriptiveness: Let engineers explore different solutions and contribute their expertise.

3. Limit Unnecessary Processes

• Minimize overhead: Keep processes to a minimum to allow engineers to focus on coding and problem-solving.
• Involve engineers: Ask engineers for input on process improvements to ensure they are efficient and effective.
• Eliminate process debt: Regularly review and eliminate unnecessary meetings or processes.

4. Prioritize Ruthlessly

• Prioritize tasks: Clearly define the most critical features and focus on delivering them first.
• Have a backup plan: Be prepared to adjust priorities based on unforeseen challenges or delays.

5. Engage Engineers Early

• Involve them in the process: Include engineers in user research, brainstorming, and strategy discussions.
• Leverage their expertise: Benefit from their insights and innovative solutions.

6. Identify Hard Problems

• Highlight complexity: Explain the challenges and potential impact of certain problems to motivate engineers.
• Avoid oversimplifying: Don’t underestimate the complexity of seemingly simple features.

7. Don’t Diminish Their Effort

• Respect their work: Acknowledge the complexity and effort involved in engineering tasks.
• Avoid making assumptions: Don’t assume a feature is easy without consulting with an engineer.
• Involve engineers in estimates: Work with engineers to assess the time and effort required for tasks.

8. Understand Their Motivations

• Identify their drivers: Learn what motivates your engineers, such as learning new technologies, solving complex problems, or achieving business results.
• Support their goals: Create an environment that supports their professional growth and development.

By following these tips, you can foster a strong and productive collaboration with your engineering team, leading to successful product development and delivery.