Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast: Agile storytelling from the trenches
The Great Product Owner: Leadership Skills Make the Difference | Marina Lazovic
Mar 28, 2025
Marina Lazovic, a Scrum Master and Kanban Trainer from Belgrade, shares insights from nearly a decade in the IT industry. She emphasizes that while product skills matter, leadership abilities set great Product Owners apart. Key topics include the importance of empathy, accessibility, and leading by example to foster team trust. Marina also highlights the consequences of POs not understanding their team's dynamics and offers strategies for improving communication and support, ultimately enhancing collaboration and productivity.
18:38
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Exceptional Product Owners differentiate themselves through strong leadership qualities like empathy and support, fostering a trusting team environment.
- Awareness of team dynamics and regular communication help Product Owners set realistic expectations, enhancing overall team performance and collaboration.
Deep dives
Understanding Team Dynamics
A significant issue identified among product owners is their lack of awareness regarding the strengths and weaknesses of their teams. This often results in unrealistic expectations about what the team can deliver, especially when junior developers require more support and guidance. For example, a product owner might expect a team with predominantly junior members to handle complex tasks independently, leading to confusion and reduced quality of work. To address this, fostering regular, transparent communication between product owners and their teams can help ensure that expectations are realistic and that the product owner is more attuned to the team's capabilities.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
