‘We might be wrong, but we’re not confused’: how Tomer Cohen, chief product officer at LinkedIn, figures out what works best

Product Management

Product management at LinkedIn is a multifaceted discipline where roles and responsibilities are clearly defined to ensure effective execution. Tomer Cohen explains that the organization comprises product managers, designers, business development, and editorial teams, each with distinct roles in decision-making processes 1. The RAPID framework is employed to assign decision-makers, recommenders, and performers for each project, fostering clarity and minimizing conflicts 1. Cohen emphasizes the importance of aligning on problems before seeking solutions, as this approach simplifies the path to innovation 2.

A good principle has teeth, right? It's supposed to make you feel. You're supposed to see the trade off from a good principle.

--- Tomer Cohen

This alignment on principles and problems is crucial for maintaining focus on company goals rather than individual interests 3.

   

Decision Clarity

Clarity in decision-making is vital for effective product management at LinkedIn. Tomer Cohen stresses the need for clear articulation of problems before diving into solutions, as confusion can hinder progress 4. He advocates for a culture of "clean escalation," where disagreements are openly addressed and escalated with transparency, ensuring alignment with LinkedIn's vision and purpose 5. This approach helps prevent misunderstandings and fosters a healthy conflict resolution environment.

There's a big difference between misunderstanding and disagreeing. And what I would tell to my team is, if you disagree, escalate, then move it up.

--- Tomer Cohen

By focusing on clarity and open communication, LinkedIn aims to maintain a productive and purpose-driven organizational culture 5.