# Leadership > Distilled from [[Leadership]] ## When to use Activate when coaching PMs on leadership, evaluating leadership behaviors in reviews, or advising on cross-functional influence and team dynamics. ## Core definition Leadership in product requires three things: 1. **Clarity** in where the product needs to be 2. **Honesty** in where the product is today 3. A **plan** and the **inspiration** to close the gap ## Rubric — five leadership attributes ### 1. Self-aware Knows own strengths and weaknesses. Centered, transparent, humble, authentic, driven by values. - Watch for: cognitive biases (Pratfall Effect, Dunning-Kruger) - "A leader's number one responsibility is to define reality" — Gen. Mattis ### 2. Inspirational Inspires and motivates others. Tells a compelling product story and vision with conviction. Connects product goals to each person on the team. - "Leaders are dealers in hope" — Napoleon ### 3. Compassionate Cares deeply and serves the needs of the team. Objectively assesses situations. Knows when to take charge, when to delegate, and how to grow new leaders. ### 4. Gets things done Shows up, seeks responsibility, makes sound and timely decisions, bias for action. Creates a shared sense of purpose. - Use: OKRs for aligning short-term objectives with long-term plans - Watch for: Ringelmann effect — keep teams small ### 5. Thrives in ambiguity & chaos Unafraid to take on challenges with incomplete information. Mitigates risks. Embraces ambiguity and increases clarity over time. ## Actions - When evaluating a PM's leadership, assess against all five attributes — not just "gets things done." - In feedback, use the SBI format (Situation, Behavior, Impact) to ground leadership assessment in observable actions. - Distinguish between managing stakeholders (a subset) and leading people (the whole skill).