Chapter 1: Understanding the 3 Bullet Test

In the pursuit of a new role within my previous organization, I sought guidance from a trusted mentor. I was particularly interested in transitioning to a more technical position that involved relationship management—a role I later realized resembled that of a product manager. At the time, my responsibilities were primarily on the business side, focusing on pricing and finance.

My mentor introduced me to an effective tool he called "The 3 Bullet Test," which he claimed would clarify my chances of making this career shift. The test is simple yet powerful:

1. Write down three descriptors that represent you—aim for three words, but three bullet points are acceptable.
2. Ask three colleagues to do the same on a post-it note.
   • One should be someone you work closely with.
   • Another should be a colleague you interact with less frequently, like a business stakeholder.
   • The last should be someone you’ve met only a handful of times, possibly an observer in recent meetings.
3. Ensure that each person takes no more than a minute to respond.

At that time, I described myself as:

• Strong communicator
• Analytical
• Strategic influencer

I set this aside and proceeded to gather feedback from my three chosen colleagues. Given the simplicity of the task, I didn't anticipate any issues in collecting their responses. However, the feedback I received was a wake-up call.

> The results varied significantly based on who provided them.

The colleague I worked with the most described me as:

• Driven & intense
• Analytical
• Possessing high business acumen

This feedback was telling, not just in what was included but also in what was conspicuously absent. There was no mention of my communication skills or strategic influence, and the term "driven & intense" could easily be interpreted negatively.

The next colleague, who interacted with me less often, characterized me as:

• Confident
• A subject matter expert
• A good presenter

While this wasn't entirely unfavorable, "confident" didn't add much to my branding efforts, and being labeled a subject matter expert felt limiting.

The final person, who had the least interaction with me, offered the harshest critique: I talk too quickly, enjoy debating, and know my material well. While I was taken aback, this pointed out how my informal debates could have left a less-than-favorable impression.

After reviewing these insights with my mentor, I realized I wasn't ready to pursue a new role just yet. He urged me to work on aligning the perceptions others had of me with my desired brand. Over the following six months, he advised me to treat myself as a product or service within the organization.

The first video provides an in-depth look at how to build a robust personal brand in 2023, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and perception management.

Chapter 2: Aligning Perceptions with Reality

In my mentor's analogy, the organization represented my market, while my existing relationships functioned as customer retention strategies. He emphasized the importance of selling my personal brand in every interaction.

My main challenge was forgetting the principle of "Friendly, not your friend." I had been too casual, leading to a brand perception that didn't align with my aspirations.

After undergoing the 3 Bullet Test, I began reassessing my work and personal interactions. I realized that I needed to be more conscious of how I presented myself, especially in meetings with less familiar colleagues.

To manage perceptions effectively, I started to:

• Slow down my speech during presentations.
• Focus on making a positive impression.

The last group I needed to consider consisted of individuals with whom I had zero established trust. In these interactions, I worked to align closely with my desired brand by asking open-ended questions and encouraging participation.

The second video explores how one individual successfully established a personal brand while working as a Scrum Master, showcasing practical strategies and insights.

Chapter 3: Continuous Improvement through Feedback

I learned that I didn't have to wait for a formal 360-degree review to evaluate my brand. The 3 Bullet Test could be conducted repeatedly with different people, allowing for continual adaptation and improvement.

This iterative approach not only transformed my behavior and communication but also influenced the projects I chose to pursue and be recognized for.

A year after implementing these strategies, I secured my first director position. By expanding the 3 Bullet Test to my networking efforts, I gathered valuable feedback that helped refine my approach.

People genuinely want to assist you—invite them to participate in your growth by leveraging the 3 Bullet Test.

Author

Yaniv Nathan is a transformational product leader with a proven track record in launching products and filing patents in financial services and blockchain. He specializes in helping businesses enhance their digital channels, processes, and product management practices.

Twitter: @PM_isBusiness | LinkedIn: Yaniv Nathan | Follow me: Yaniv Nathan