Introduction

In this episode, Marty and Christian discuss the mindset behind strong product teams. While there are plenty of resources around the skills used on such teams, there is a lack of resources around the attitudes underpinning their success. If you are “stuck in a feature team” these concepts will feel especially unfamiliar. However, SVPG has collected a series of case studies proving that these mindset shifts can drive outcomes across a range of industries and geographies. 

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• In today’s discussion, we unpack:
• Why ideas are only 10% of product work
• Why cross-functional skills are critical
• Steve Jobs’ take on product discovery and collaboration
• The necessity of friction when collaborating
• The value of involving engineers in discovery
• How to handle disagreements
• How to win the hearts and minds of your team

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Timestamps:

[00:00:00] Episode Intro

[00:01:30] Steve Jobs on Product Discovery 

[00:02:49] Reaction to Steve Jobs on Product Discovery

[00:06:55] How ICs can advocate for a better product model

[00:09:14] Problem discovery versus solution discovery

[00:13:43] The role of enabling technology 

[00:14:35] Why cross-functional skills are critical 

[00:19:55] Steve Jobs on Collaboration 

[00:21:35] The necessity of friction when collaborating

[00:25:30] The importance of psychological safety and diversity of views

[00:30:55] Why outsourced engineering doesn't work

[00:34:00] The value of involving engineers in discovery

[00:36:11] How to handle disagreements

[00:39:30] Dealing with ego in disagreements

[00:41:00] The definition of “stakeholders” and advice for engaging with them 

[00:45:13] How to win the hearts and minds of your team 

[00:48:50] Response to: "But my company can’t do this!” 

[00:52:23] Where to find SVPG resources

[00:52:34] About SVPG’s new book: Transformed

[00:54:02] Disclaimer

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References:

• Amazon’s PRFAQ: https://www.svpg.com/example-prfaq/

• Einstein quote about problem solving: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/60780-if-i-had-an-hour-to-solve-a-problem-i-
• Google’s research on effective teams: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-emea/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/five-dynamics-effective-team
• President Kennedy’s challenge for NASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmN1wO_24Ao&ab_channel=NASAVideo

• Steve Jobs, The Lost Interview: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/steve-jobs-the-lost-interview/umc.cmc.493j4pff9l0e7b6lbca47x2j8
  

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Where to find SVPG:

• SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/

• Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/

• Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/

• Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/

• Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

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Where to find Marty Cagan:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

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Disclaimer:

While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals.  See: https://findahelpline.com/