Removing chaos

A key skill in Product Management is to navigate through messy situations. We are looked at as the Marie Kondo of the business. ‘Chaos is where great Product Managers shine’.

I bring a radical perspective to the relationship with chaos: Chaos as an ally, a secret weapon.

This is completely the opposite of what PMs are looking for, which is removing chaos. However, I believe creating chaos can be a powerful tool in specific situations if managed properly:

• Why? Chaos triggers an immediate reaction, pushing from passivity to urgent interest and out-of-the-box thinking.
• When? When a significant change needs to happen, mobilizing a major audience, like a company pivot or big change in priorities or direction.
• Where? In fast-moving environments, like startups, where speed is valuable or even necessary to survive.

I’m aware that chaos, in the long run, generates damage if it becomes a constant. Also, it’s not for every company. Yet generating temporary chaos in exceptional moments is effective and justified.

Learn to control chaos.

Proceed with caution.