Why focus is hard for product teams

Christian sits down with product coach Elias Lieberich to tackle one of the hottest, most overlooked product leadership skills: focus. They unpack why “we have a prioritization problem” is usually a polite way of saying “we don’t have strategy,” what it actually looks like to build alignment, and how to say “not yet” with integrity.

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Today’s episode will discuss:

• What focus feels like inside a strong product org
• The fastest signal you’re in an unfocused company
• Why strategy makes prioritization “implicit”
• How to build alignment different functions
• The difference between “no” and “not yet”
• How teams can create clarity even when leadership hasn’t

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References:

• Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/
• ChatGPT: https://chatgpt.com/
• Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps
• Product Matters: https://productmatters.io/

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More from SVPG on coaching focus:

• Product Strategy – Focus (SVPG): https://www.svpg.com/product-strategy-focus/

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Where to find Elias:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lieberich/
• Product Matters: https://productmatters.io/

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Where to find Christian Idiodi:

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

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Where to find SVPG:

• SVPG’s newest 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
• Podcast: https://producttherapy.com/

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Timestamps:

(01:10) Why is organizational focus so difficult?

(03:16) What a focused organization looks like

(05:34) The ultimate litmus test for focus

(08:52) You don’t have a prioritization problem…

(15:49) The grandfather test

(17:44) The importance of team-wide alignment

(25:31) The one thing high-performing teams have

(28:06) Saying “no” vs. “not yet”

(30:47) How can a leader protect their team’s focus?

(36:13) Why you need a Product FAQ

(40:01) You need to track your business impact

(45:04) Focus is a muscle that needs building

(51:58) Elias’ magic coaching question

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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/

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Production:

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