Understanding Diplomatic Collaboration as a Product Manager.
Written By – Temitope Adelanwa
Diplomatic collaboration is one of the most crucial skills I have had to learn as a Product Marketing Manager, particularly when reporting directly to CEOs, COOs, Marketing Directors, and Senior Product stakeholders. Fortunately, I have been privileged to work with amazing managers, and I always say that they have played a critical role in shaping my diplomatic collaboration playbook.
But what exactly do I mean by diplomatic collaboration? In my experience, it involves achieving desired outcomes that align with overall business objectives by exercising a high level of understanding and cooperation.
It requires managing egos where necessary while guiding core team members and departments in the right direction—all without damaging relationships, as you will inevitably need to work with these individuals again. In many cases, without even realising it, I have found myself stepping into the role of an emotional manager, prioritising the success of the team over personal frustrations.
At the heart of diplomatic collaboration is the realisation that the job must get done, and as a Product Manager, my role is to ensure that collaboration happens effectively. This does not mean that PMs should tolerate inappropriate behaviour; rather, they should expand their capacity to work effectively with key stakeholders.
This is where diplomacy becomes essential—sometimes, you have to maintain a smile while navigating multiple rounds of discussions and hurdles to gather the information you need, no matter how challenging the process may be.
Collaboration is key, and a fundamental aspect of this is open communication. Every stakeholder should have absolute clarity on what you need from them and what they can expect from you in return. Ensuring transparency in these interactions minimises misunderstandings and fosters a cooperative work environment.
In the long run, mastering diplomatic collaboration will save time, streamline the completion of multiple tasks, and preserve the essential relationships that contribute to sustained success. It is a skill that, when honed, allows Product Managers to drive progress effectively while maintaining harmony across teams and leadership levels.
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