korrents
Ken Norton

What Ken Norton thinks about management

@ken-norton · 17 positions · 0 changes of mind

Executive coach for product leaders. Previously a partner at GV (Google Ventures) and a product manager at Google. Writes at Bring the Donuts, including a standing essential-reading list for product managers.

Everything they publish, on ppll ↗

Ken Norton did not write this page.

We collected these quotes from things they published elsewhere, and every quote links to where it was said. They have no account here and have not endorsed this site. Quotes are word for word; the short line under each one is our own restatement, not their wording. Their own site. Is this you? Claim it or ask us to remove it. Or tell us what is wrong here.

6 dated positions, 2025 to 2026, in their own words. Our reading of what Ken Norton has said — not written or endorsed by them.

  1. Our readingResolving workplace conflict is better achieved by changing the relationship itself than by trying to change the other person.

    Their wordsThis helped the leader shift from wanting to change Jacob-something they couldn't control-to taking responsibility for changing the relationship-something they could.

    ↗Designing Better Working Relationshipsbringthedonuts.com 1st of 2 in this piece

  2. 7 months earlier

  3. Our readingCompanies should offer dual career tracks so product managers can advance without becoming people managers.

    product management

    Their wordsCompanies should embrace multitrack job ladders for product managers who prefer product leadership to people management.

    ↗Best Books for Product Managers [2026]bringthedonuts.com

  4. 8 months earlier

  5. Our readingPlayfulness and humor in leadership build authenticity and credibility rather than undermine it.

    Their wordsPlayfulness and humor won't erode your credibility. They amplify your presence. They make you real. And people follow real.

    ↗Why Great Leaders Embrace Humor and Playfulnessbringthedonuts.com 1st of 3 in this piece

  7. Our readingHow people feel at work determines how well they work, and humor is one lever on that feeling.

    Their wordsHumor changes how people feel at work. And how people feel at work changes how they work.

    ↗Why Great Leaders Embrace Humor and Playfulnessbringthedonuts.com 2nd of 3 in this piece

  9. Our readingA leader who projects unflappable seriousness causes their team to hide problems and honest feedback.

    Their wordsNobody wants to follow a joyless leader. If your presence signals, "Everything is fine. I've got this all figured out. Please don't show me anything messy," your team will take the hint.

    ↗Why Great Leaders Embrace Humor and Playfulnessbringthedonuts.com 3rd of 3 in this piece

  10. 5 weeks earlier

  11. Our readingGood leadership is defined by presence, curiosity, and authenticity rather than always having the right answer.

    Their wordsLeadership isn't about always having the answer and always being right. It's about being present, deeply curious, and authentic.

    ↗The Power of Not Knowingbringthedonuts.com 2nd of 2 in this piece