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Saved February 14, 2026
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The article explains why many product marketing managers (PMMs) fail to engage stakeholders with their research. It outlines three levels of insight quality—observing, interpreting, and directing—and emphasizes the importance of not just presenting data, but also providing actionable recommendations to drive decisions.
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Research often fails to resonate because many product marketing managers (PMMs) get trapped in the "observation zone." They spend significant time analyzing data but end up presenting low-quality insights. Instead of explaining why findings matter or suggesting actionable steps, they merely report what happened. For example, stating that a competitor updated their homepage or that there are several customer support tickets doesn't provide context or urgency. Without a clear reason for stakeholders to care, the insights fall flat.
To elevate insights, PMMs need to move through three levels of quality. Level 1 is simply observing, where the focus is on data points. Level 2 involves interpreting that data, connecting it to broader implications and sparking conversation. For instance, explaining that a competitor's changes signal a shift in positioning starts to engage the audience. However, interpretation alone isn't enough. Level 3 is where PMMs must direct action by proposing clear paths forward, such as recommending specific changes to homepage messaging or addressing customer support issues.
Three components are essential for effective direction: shaping options, presenting a strong point of view, and developing an activation plan. By doing this, PMMs can transform insights from mere observations into actionable strategies that drive decisions. This shift is critical for PMMs who want to be seen as business partners rather than just reporters of data. Engaging stakeholders requires more than stating problems; it demands presenting solutions that prompt action.
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