You ask good questions to clarify objectives of the project. You understand basic project goals.
You partner with more senior product / eng / design leaders to ensure you’re on the right track before getting too deep into a project.
You properly research the product landscape, and validate needs through our customers (via channels like helpscout, twitter, in person interviews)
Level 2
You can read and interpret product requirements, and present multiple paths forward early on
You occasionally proactively identify gaps or improvement areas in the problem definitions you are working in
You understand the voice of the customer, and leverage research to make well-informed product decisions. You justify ideas based on real evidence vs just intuition
You’re starting to understand and recognize industry patterns and trends
Level 3
You deeply understand the current tooling industry and landscape, rarely missing a beat on how your projects would fit into existing customer workflows
You know when to focus on the big picture vs zoom into the details
You’re deepening product and domain expertise, regularly participating in research
Level 4
Can handle complex product challenges, often involving a strong understanding of technical, development, or business aspects
Rapidly understands project requirements, frequently filling in gaps of understanding or accurately listing trade-offs
Recognizes if consensus isn't being reached, and able to help start guiding it and narrow in from diverging directions using a thorough product and customer understanding
Level 5
Able to consistently build consensus amongst peers and stakeholders on product decisions to drive projects forward
Deeply understands qualitative, and quantitative reasonings and can apply them appropriately to help make product decisions.
Not only helps ensure your core team is working on the right thing, but catches opportunities in other product areas
Level 6
Clear subject-matter expert on our product, and strong intuition on what’s needed to move objectives forward.
Provides substantial input on project requirements, and has an excellent judgement on how the team could effectively spend their time
Frequently looked to for guidance on strategic direction.
Able to lead and conduct appropriate research and interpret analysis effectively into designs