Most of the “Agile” and “Lean” product design and development practices that we follow in the modern age can be directly linked to the lean manufacturing movement from the 1940s and 1950s, largely attributed to the work of W. Edward Deming and his influence on the post-war Japanese manufacturing culture. Deming relied on a “Plan-Do-Study-Act” methodology […]
Common Dysfunctions of “Scrum” Teams — Part 2
In the first part of this series, I talked about how many teams who try to transform into “Agile” teams fail because they don’t actually understand what being “agile” is all about, or because they try to cut corners by not fully embracing (at the outset, at least) the fundamental requirements of the methodology that they have […]
Don’t Believe Your Own Hype
There’s always a ton of hype that we create surrounding our products. Sales positions the product as the best option for prospects and existing customers; marketing spins our features and benefits so that we sound like the best thing since sliced bread; and our CEOs and internal cheerleaders are constantly optimistic about the future, the […]
The Unintended Consequences of Leadership
Almost by definition, leadership involves influencing people — whether that is through direct action and orders, or through indirect influence, the end result is that a leader convinces people to take action toward a particular goal or through particular means. Generally speaking, this is a good thing — a good, strong leader can create a vision […]
What’s Obvious to You Might Not Be to Others
It’s a common situation that all of us face in our lives — we look at something, draw conclusions that seem “obvious” or “common sense” and then we’re astounded when other people look at the same situation and act in direct opposition of that “obvious” conclusion. In most circumstances, this isn’t all that big of […]
Overcoming Objections to Iterative Development
One of the common challenges that Product Managers have in advocating for more agile product definition and development practices is a rather ironic one — those in power and authority often feel that iteration “doesn’t work” because they feel that once something is “done” it won’t ever be revisited. The irony here is that it’s […]
Understanding the Equal and Opposite Reaction
In prior articles, I discussed how one could apply the principles of Newton’s First and Second Laws of motion to their duties as a Product Manager. Here, we close the series by examining Newton’s Third Law — that for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. The fact is, this law applies as […]
Know What You Don’t Know
A common perception of Product Managers within organizations is that we’re somewhat of a “know-it-all” — which is not always the most productive position from which to do our jobs. Some of this perception is earned — simply a function of the broad base of knowledge, influence, and direction that we are so often assigned. […]
Products At Rest Tend to Stay At Rest
Everyone knows Newton’s First Law of Motion: An object at rest will stay at rest until moved by an external force. The same is true with products. I’ve been a Product Manager for about 15 years, working in a variety of markets, and primarily focused on B2B or niche B2C products and platforms. And the […]
Common Company Dysfunctions — And How to Combat Them
Throughout my many years as a Product Manager, and through many conversations with fellow Product Managers, I’ve come to notice certain patterns of dysfunction emerge within companies that make everyone’s job harder. Many of these dysfunctions exist due to cultural patterns within the company, and are things that have developed over time — often they […]
Ask Tough Questions
Among the most common issues that Product Managers face — particularly those in smaller companies or in companies where Product Management as a discipline is a new thing — is the seemingly random collection of features, functionality, plans, “strategies”, market segments, and really everything that surrounds the role. Part and parcel of being a good […]
Take Some Time For Yourself!
I’m writing this post while sitting in a condo down at the Oregon Coast. The wind is blowing outside, the rain is pattering against the windows, and outside through the mist I can see the waves crashing against the rocks. The fireplace is glowing, and the moon is rising in the sky as I relax on […]