Every now and then it makes sense to think about 'super' products. Whether or not you ever get the chance to work with a 'super' product there's plenty to be gleaned from reflecting on how these products came to be.

'Super' products from my generation would include audio/visual products like Sky's early Digital TV product or the early gaming products like the first Atari console. They are 'super' because they define and remind us of the dawn of new eras for particular product groups.

The main product I always come back to though, is the iPod. I think it's a mixture of having enjoyed the product and having been inspired by its history. To me it epitomises and demonstrates perfectly some of the really inspiring and aspirational elements of successful product management:

• Championing your product - Most people know that Tony Fadell came up for the concept and despite his initial pitches to other companies being turned down, finally got his idea through the doors at Apple.
  The moral: if you believe in your product then the chances are that eventually, others will too.
• Recognising and seizing opportunity - Though Steve Jobs didn't originate the concept, you'd have to say that he was equally astute in recognising that Fadell's concept was right for his brand.
  The moral: Opportunities present themselves all the time, the product manager's focus should always be to recognise those that have the most potential.
• Looking at things in new ways - Hats off to Fadell. We already had MP3 players and Napster as separate entities. His genius was spotting the connection between the material and the virtual (a player with an online store.)
  The moral: Sometimes it's a fusion of established ideas that creates the killer product, take time to think about how you can do what you do more effectively by taking a slightly altered approach.
• Sticking with and developing your vision - The iPod has iterated several times each time to pretty impressive acclaim.
  The moral: We should always be thinking about what comes next, you can guarantee that your customers will be. Look after your best products, they will look after you.

In summary I think that in some small way product stories like the iPod can and should inspire all product managers create better products.