[chris100]

Yes, but in startups, being a PM is often very hard, because no one has to listen to you. So you need to bring your own credibility and influence so the product gets done properly.

It's hard, and "fluffy" at the same time :-)

[tptacek]

Oh, definitely. Sorry, I sounded like I was criticizing the post. I really just want to make the case that PM is not a fluffy role. "Architect", "CTO", "advocate", "community manager", "evangelist", "information design" --- all carry fluffy connotations. PM owns nuts-and-bolts stuff that companies need to be doing, no matter who's doing them.

[tomkarlo]

This is true even in large companies. All of the responsibility, none of the authority. For better or worse.

I've been able to make it work over the years but it's not everyone's cup of tea, especially if you dislike politics.

(Oh, and in my view, none of the glory either - that's to be used to help achieve objectives, not self-promotion.)