Misunderstood metaphors: Product manager as conductor

Product managers are sometimes referred to as the conductor of the orchestra. Some people think that the conductor’s job is to direct the players, to lead them through the music. That would be to misunderstand the relationship. Instead, here’s a different take.

The conductor doesn’t tell the players what to do, they steer and guide the orchestra to deliver the best performance that collection of players can muster. Each of the instrumentalists are highly proficient and have personal respo...