In various workplace conversations, we often hear statements like:
I’m a programmer; why should I fix this? It’s a UI issue.
I’m a product manager; why should I do this? It’s the programmer’s responsibility. Or, I’m a developer; why should I do this? It’s a product manager’s responsibility.
I received this from the business team. Why should I add something new from my end? Yes, I know it’s wrong, but I got this from the product manager, so I have to do it, and we’ll see later.
The product manager gave me these requirements, and as a programmer, I implemented them. I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. It’s your job; that’s why you’re here as a product manager.
I was told to write APIs and provided them to you. Now it’s a UI issue, and I can’t fix that. Yes, I can do this, but I don’t want to touch the code; it’s the responsibility of the UI team. They will handle it.
Create a ticket in Jira. I can’t do that without a ticket, and creating a ticket is not my cup of tea.
These conversations reflect a common theme: creating our own boundaries and not taking responsibility.
So, why do we regret:
👉 When promotions are pending, we’ve been in the same position for years.
👉 When we receive a modest salary hike.
👉 When we struggle to crack interviews or switch jobs.
👉 When we’re stuck doing the same work for years without a promotion.
👉 When we lack the confidence to lead a team or handle conflicts.
👉 When we lack the expertise to design a system and handle a team.
👉 When we’re overly dependent on the technical team to make decisions as a product manager.
👉 When we wait for a simple report that only requires a select query.
These incidents illustrate that no one else is responsible for our situation but ourselves. Ego and self-imposed boundaries hinder our career growth, keeping us in the middle-class category.
Then what is the solution?
The solution is simple.
Don’t limit yourself. Break through your boundaries, think big, and adopt a positive mindset. This is the only formula for success.
What are your thoughts?
Feel free to share in the comment box.