Steps on How to Introduce Yourself to the Team

Question: "I just joined a company as their first Product Manager. How do I introduce myself to engineers/designers?"

1. Smile.

2. Learn their names quickly (& the correct enunciation).

3. Engage in small talk. Get to know them personally. Tell a joke. Treat them as people, not "resources".

4. Understand what they do. Appreciate how you see their work being essential to the business. Tell them how you'd love their help moving forward.

5. Tell them that you're there to:
- research the customer & product usage
- discuss plans of action with the team
- give clarity to them on the "why" behind product ideas
- facilitate & serve them

6. Schedule follow-up 1 to 1s to unpack areas you don't understand. It's perfectly OK to admit you don't know some tech framework. In fact, that vulnerability will make you likable.

7. Seek advice, don't judge.

Don't ask "Why is search so slow?". Instead ask, "I needed your advice on how we can improve search speed further?"

8. Don't start announcing on Day 1 about what you're planning to change.

9. When they share their laundry list of grievances, listen. Ask clarifying questions.

Then, highlight areas you are sure you can help with e.g. Improper documentation, processes etc.

10. Don't be a pompous jerk.