Red Phases & Blue Phases in Product Management (Video)
Dive into the world of product management with Ed Biden’s talk on Red vs. Blue Phases! Learn to navigate strategic projects and autonomous innovation to drive impact and success in your product journe
Dear community,
last week, we had the first community event of the year. Ed Biden, CPO and founder of Hustle Badger, joined us for an hour-long talk about managing different types of phases as product managers. He described the difference between -what he calls- the red and blue phases, where the approach and level of clarity differ substantially, and thus, different degrees of risks are involved. If you missed his talk, you can now watch the recording to benefit from his insights.
Find a summary and the video below.
We’re going to host more events this year. So stay tuned and recommend our platform to all your colleagues and friends. 😊
By the way, our events and mentoring community are free for our users. Running such a platform and organizing these events is not. You can support us with donations or as an official sponsoring partner. Signing up for a paid subscription at substack or buying your next books via our library is also helpful.
In the ever-evolving landscape of product management, understanding the dynamics between different phases (e.g. Discovery, Planning, Delivery) can be the compass that guides PMs to success. Ed Biden, a seasoned product management thought leader with over a decade of experience, recently shared his insights in a talk at The Mentoring Club that illuminated these concepts with clarity, depth, and practical hands-on advice.
What's the Deal with Red and Blue Phases?
Ed starts by laying the groundwork: "In product management, we operate in two distinct modes - the red and the blue phases." But what exactly does he mean? Red phases are those high-octane periods where strategic projects are executed with precision, often dictated by upper management's high-level commitments. Think of launching a new product or entering a new market. It's about making bold moves and sticking to the landing.
Conversely, blue phases are the playground of autonomy and innovation. Here, product teams have the freedom to explore, validate ideas, and tackle problems in creative ways. It's less about following a set path and more about charting unknown territories to discover value for users and the business alike.
The Essence of Product Management
"Product management is fundamentally a business discipline," Ed reminds us. This part of his talk underscores the importance of aligning product strategies with financial goals. He draws an intriguing parallel between investing money in a bank, Bitcoin, and a product team. Each choice represents a different risk and potential return, positioning the product team as an investment that should yield tangible financial benefits.
The Financial Framework of a Product Team
Ed doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty of financials. He walks us through a compelling breakdown of how to view a product team as a financial entity, complete with costs, investments, and expected returns. "A product team's obligation is not just to deliver features but to deliver impact," he states, emphasizing the need for PMs to think like investors to justify the costs associated with their teams.
Mastering the Modes
According to Ed, transitioning smoothly between red and blue phases is a form of art. He dives deep into the strategies for navigating each phase effectively. For red phases, it's about "making it happen" - delivering on time, managing risks, and ensuring the project aligns with the strategic goals. Blue phases, however, demand a shift in mindset towards exploration, customer discovery, and iterative development.
One of Ed's most striking pieces of advice is about the versatility required of product managers: "Almost every PM...has had to be able to do these two different phases." This adaptability is crucial for thriving and growing as a product manager.
Concluding Thoughts
Ed wraps up his talk with a call to action for PMs to embrace red and blue phases, recognizing each presents unique challenges and opportunities. His parting wisdom? "Effective product managers need to excel in both phases, recognizing the appropriate mode for each situation and adapting their strategies accordingly."
Ultimately, navigating the waters of product management with the knowledge of red and blue phases is akin to sailing with a map and compass. Ed's expertise offers the direction needed to sail these waters skillfully, making the journey successful and impactful.
If you want to grow as a product manager, find hundreds of experienced product leaders at The Mentoring Club:
