Everyone is Now a Product Manager

I’ve been observing a curious shift in the world of programming. As powerful AI tools like Cursor and Copilot have emerged, the focus has moved away from the nitty-gritty of coding and towards a more strategic, product-centric approach.

Programmers are no longer just grunts toiling in the codebase. They’re now elevated to the role of product managers, responsible for crafting the vision and guiding the development of complex, AI-powered solutions.

I first noticed this transition when I found myself spending more time conceptualizing the bigger picture rather than hacking away at the keyboard. The actual coding felt almost secondary, like an implementation detail.

As AI-powered assistants take on more coding tasks, programmers must evolve their skillset and mindset. They must become part architect, part product visionary, embracing techniques like:

1. Riding the wave of code-generating LLMs: I’ve had to embrace the power of large language models (LLMs) to generate code, freeing me up to focus on high-level design and problem-solving. It’s been a bit of a learning curve, but the efficiency gains have been undeniable.
2. Becoming a big-picture architect: My role is now more about conceptualizing solutions, designing systems, and ensuring the overall coherence of the product, rather than getting bogged down in the details. It’s a welcome change, but it also requires a different mindset and skillset.
3. Constantly switching to the best AI tools and models: I’ve had to stay agile and adaptable, continuously evaluating the latest AI tools and models to ensure I’m using the most effective ones for the task at hand. It’s like I’m constantly on the lookout for the latest and greatest tools to enhance my productivity.
4. Designing with natural language first: I’ve started to leverage the natural language capabilities of AI tools to ideate, prototype, and refine my solutions, before diving into the technical implementation. It’s a more intuitive and collaborative way of working, and it’s helped me to be more creative and innovative.
5. Avoiding competition with AI and using it to work better: I’ve realized that AI is not a threat, but a powerful ally. By collaborating with these tools, I’ve been able to enhance my own productivity and problem-solving abilities, rather than trying to compete with them.

This transformation is only just beginning. As AI continues to reshape product development, the successful programmers of the future will be those who can adapt and evolve from coders into strategic product managers.

This is how you 10x.