This idea is an extension of a post from the Weirdguy blog, specifically from this post The 10 Commandments For Leadership.

Leaders don't start out as leaders. For example, we started out as writers, then someone put us in a leadership position. The inclination is to drift back to what we know (i.e. writing). What often gets missed here is the connection we should make with those whom we lead and work. Everyone is looking for someone to follow.

I have adjusted them to have a product management perspective.

10 Commandments

1. It is always about people and relationships.

As a product management type, nothing could be truer. You need to maintain and have positive relationships with all the individuals who interact with your product. This includes development, marketing, sales, support, partners, analysts and customers. You should be able to comfortably connect with anyone in these groups at anytime to offer assistance and/or request assistance. Remember to reciprocate!

2. It's more about being than doing.

It is more important to be the best Product Manager you can be rather than trying to fill holes in other spots. Be receptive to feedback and proactive to your needs to grow as a Product Manager.

3. You lead by serving.

Enable others to accomplish what they are good at and help them prioritize.

4. Your employees are your most important resource.

Your co-workers and team-members are your only creative resource. Being creative is defined by having the ability or power to create. Creative people creating are generally happy. Enable them to create.

5. Be the first one in and the last one out.

This is not a reference to how many hours you work. Everyone works long hours and there are people who work longer hours. This is a reference to your involvement. If there is an idea, product, service you are pushing forward be the person to see it from conception until the end.

6. You need to achieve critical business objectives while satisfying people's personal needs.

A big one that I think is well-enough stated as is. Align yourself, activities and product vision with your corporate objectives. Enable others to align their objectives and achieve those objectives.

7. Feedback is important to leadership.

Be able to take feedback from your peers and customers and learn to understand it and apply it. When giving feedback be honest with people, highlight strengths and provide direction for changes. Obviously the delivery is key.

8. Performance achievement is a shared responsibility....

.... and a shared celebration. Enable, enable, enable!

9. You are a coach and a catalyst.

Coaches are trained to listen, to observe and to customize their approach to the individual's needs. They seek to elicit solutions and strategies from the individual; they believe the individual is naturally creative and resourceful. The coach's job is to provide support to enhance the skills, resources, and creativity that the individual already has.

Catalyst leaders value the wisdom of those more experienced than them and seek out council in all things.

How well are these roles aligned with product management?

10. Open communication results from sharing your thoughts, reasoning, and feelings.

When you listen to understand, you will leave yourself open and approachable. Help people understand your perspective.