At first glance, it might be hard to draw parallels between modern product management and German reunification. But I’m a product manager with an International Relations background, so that’s what you’ll get. 

Otto von Bismarck, the diplomatic mastermind behind the reunification feat, is famously credited with the quote Politics is the art of the possible. It reflects his pragmatic approach to governing and his understanding that compromise is the key to success. He’s one of the most influential figures of European history not because he wanted to change the world, but because he focused on achieving practical and attainable goals in a complex environment; not because he fought against constraints, but because he knew and accepted them. 

Perhaps you can already see where this is going. The world of tech is full of idealistic aspirations, particularly in moments of disruption such as the one we’re experiencing with AI and Large Language Models. But at the end of the day, as we sit back and marvel at technological progress, product management too is the art of the possible. The reason we exist as professionals is because there is a need to establish a complex balance between existing resources, market conditions and customer needs. It’s not an armed revolution – it’s realpolitik in favor of the customer’s interest, a constant search for the best feasible solution within existing constraints.

Idealizing an innovative product takes creativity. Idealizing an innovative product that people need and love takes cognitive empathy. Actually delivering it takes all of this plus a healthy dose of pragmatism. To me, great product leaders stand at this intersection of skills. This might exclude some of our most famous dreamers, but includes many distinguished unknowns who make our lives better everyday by delivering progress in small but significant increments.