Product managers often ask how they can work more effectively with their engineers.
The most common area where product managers and engineers meet is in the discussion of requirements including:
Technical feasibility
Development estimates
Technical compromises
Technical brainstorming
Most product managers are intimidated when it comes to technical issues because they don't deal with the code base on a daily basis.
However, product managers shouldn't doubt themselves.
PMs are critical thinkers, so they can often provide a perspective that engineers lack. In addition, some engineers appreciate having a second opinion or brainstorming colleague when solving technical problems.
Aashish Singh made a good observation: the PEDALS framework from my book, The System Design Interview, is a fabulous tool to guide your technical discussions with your engineers.
