Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches

Why Great Product Owners Listen—Communication Lessons from Product Ownership Extremes | Deniz Ari

May 23, 2025

Deniz Ari, an Agile coach and delivery management expert, dives into the world of product ownership and communication. He discusses the traits of an exemplary Product Owner who excels through listening and clear communication, ensuring everyone understands priorities. In contrast, he shares a cautionary tale about a 'tyrant' PO whose poor communication skills led to team dysfunction and toxicity. Deniz emphasizes the need for effective communication to inspire team loyalty and adaptability, especially in challenging environments.

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ANECDOTE

Tyrant Product Owner Story

Deniz Ari experienced a tyrannical Product Owner who overstepped roles and pushed the team to overtime.
The PO's poor communication and dictatorship led Deniz to leave the project to protect health and well-being.

ADVICE

Set Boundaries and Avoid Burnout

Recognize when an organizational situation cannot be improved and choose to leave to preserve your well-being.
Scrum Masters are vulnerable; do not burn out trying to fix everything alone.

INSIGHT

Communication Motivates Teams

Great Product Owners excel through clear, two-way communication and openness.
Their clear articulation of vision and priorities motivates the team by fostering ownership and understanding of the "why."

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Deniz Ari: Why Great Product Owners Listen—Communication Lessons from Product Ownership Extremes The Great Product Owner: The Power of Clear Communication

Deniz describes a truly exemplary Product Owner who excelled through outstanding communication skills. This PO was an exceptional listener who maintained openness throughout all interactions. They ensured the team thoroughly understood requirements and priorities, always clearly articulating the rationale behind decisions. With a well-defined product vision and transparent prioritization process, this PO successfully bridged the gap between the development team and clients. Deniz emphasizes how this clear communication style naturally fostered team motivation, as everyone understood not just what they were building, but why it mattered.

The Bad Product Owner: The Tyrant PO

Deniz shares a challenging experience with a problematic Product Owner during what initially appeared to be a straightforward public sector migration project with adequate budget and timeline. Despite these favorable conditions, the situation deteriorated when the PO began pushing the team to work overtime, overstepping boundaries by questioning architectural decisions, and inappropriately assuming Scrum Master responsibilities. Described as a "tyrant" or "despot," this PO exhibited extremely poor communication skills and preferred dictating rather than collaborating. When Deniz attempted to address these issues, the situation became so toxic that it affected Deniz's health, ultimately leading to their decision to leave the project. The PO subsequently claimed no Scrum Master was needed. Deniz reflects that sometimes the best option is to recognize when a situation cannot be changed and to move on.

Self-reflection Question: What boundaries would you establish with a dominant Product Owner, and at what point would you decide that the situation cannot be improved?

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About Deniz Ari

Deniz is an innovative, driven professional with expertise in Agile coaching, delivery management, data science, and technology transformation. As a Scrum Master and Agile Coach, Deniz builds high-performing teams, drives strategic execution, and fosters collaboration. Passionate about continuous improvement, they lead cultural shifts, optimize processes, and deliver scalable, high-quality outcomes.

You can link with Deniz Ari on LinkedIn.