Musk Owns Twitter: Now What? A Product Leader's Survival Guide

It’s official. The deal is done. Elon Musk, the tech world’s most unpredictable innovator, now owns Twitter. Whatever your feelings about the man or the platform, one thing is certain: things are about to get interesting.

For those of us in product leadership roles, particularly those at Twitter, this acquisition presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. How do we navigate this period of intense change and uncertainty? How do we adapt to new leadership, shifting priorities, and the potential for, let’s face it, a bit of chaos?

Having been through my fair share of acquisitions, reorganizations, and leadership transitions in my career, I’ve learned a few things about managing product teams through turbulent times. And while the specifics of the Musk-Twitter saga are unique, the underlying principles of navigating change remain the same.

So, if you’re a product leader at Twitter, or at any company undergoing a major transformation, here’s my survival guide for not just surviving, but thriving, in the face of change:

1. Embrace the Uncertainty (and the Opportunity)

Change, especially of this magnitude, is inherently unsettling. It’s natural to feel anxious, uncertain, and even a little bit scared. But it’s also important to remember that change can be a catalyst for growth, innovation, and new opportunities.

• Acknowledge the emotions: Don’t try to suppress your feelings or pretend that everything is fine. Acknowledge the uncertainty, both for yourself and for your team. Create a safe space for people to express their concerns and anxieties.
• Focus on what you can control: You can’t control what Elon Musk will do next, but you can control how you and your team respond to the changes. Focus on your own sphere of influence and on delivering value within the new context.
• Look for the opportunities: Every change, even a disruptive one, creates new opportunities. Look for ways to leverage your team’s skills and expertise to contribute to the new vision for the product, whatever that may be.

2. Over-Communicate and Build Bridges

In times of uncertainty, communication is more important than ever. It’s crucial to keep your team informed, to listen to their concerns, and to build bridges with the new leadership.

• Establish clear lines of communication: Make sure your team knows where to go for information and updates. Be transparent about what you know, what you don’t know, and what you’re doing to find out more.
• Actively listen to your team: Create opportunities for your team to share their feedback, ideas, and concerns. Make sure they feel heard and understood.
• Build relationships with the new leadership: Don’t wait to be approached. Proactively reach out to the new leadership team, introduce yourself and your team, and offer your support.

3. Adapt to the New Reality (While Staying True to Your Principles)

With a new owner comes a new vision, new priorities, and potentially a new way of working. It’s important to be adaptable and flexible, while also staying true to your core product principles.

• Understand the new vision: Take the time to understand Elon Musk’s vision for Twitter, as articulated in his public statements and actions. Try to discern the underlying principles and goals driving his decisions.
• Re-evaluate your roadmap: Be prepared to adjust your product roadmap and priorities in light of the new direction. Identify the areas where your team can make the biggest impact within the new context.
• Stay true to your users: While adapting to the new leadership, don’t lose sight of your users. Continue to advocate for their needs and to build products that deliver value to them.

4. Focus on Building a Resilient Team

Change can be stressful and demoralizing for teams. As a leader, it’s your job to help your team navigate the challenges and build resilience.

• Foster a culture of psychological safety: Make sure your team feels safe to express their opinions, take risks, and make mistakes without fear of judgment or retribution.
• Encourage learning and growth: Change often creates opportunities for learning and development. Encourage your team to embrace new challenges and to develop new skills.
• Celebrate small wins: Acknowledge and celebrate your team’s accomplishments, no matter how small. This will help to maintain morale and motivation during a period of uncertainty.

“The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance.” - Alan Watts

5. Be Prepared for Anything (and Have a Plan B)

With a leader as unpredictable as Elon Musk, it’s impossible to know exactly what the future holds for Twitter. It’s important to be prepared for a wide range of possibilities and to have contingency plans in place.

• Scenario planning: Consider different potential scenarios for the future of Twitter and develop plans for how your team will respond to each one.
• Develop your network: Maintain and expand your professional network. This will provide you with support and opportunities, regardless of what happens at Twitter.
• Keep your skills sharp: Continuously update your skills and knowledge to remain relevant and adaptable in the ever-changing tech landscape.

The Future is Unwritten

What the future holds for Twitter under Elon Musk’s leadership is anyone’s guess. It could be a period of unprecedented innovation and growth, or it could be a bumpy ride with unexpected twists and turns.

But one thing is certain: product leaders who can embrace change, communicate effectively, adapt to new realities, build resilient teams, and stay true to their users will be well-positioned to navigate this new era, not just at Twitter, but in any organization undergoing transformation.

This is a defining moment for Twitter, and perhaps for the tech industry as a whole. Let’s embrace the challenge, learn from the experience, and continue to build amazing products that make a positive impact on the world.

While the post is over, the story has just begun. What are your thoughts on the Musk-Twitter acquisition? How are you preparing for the changes ahead?