Getting real with jobs to be done – Bob Moesta (President, CEO, The ReWired Group)
May 1, 2024
auto_awesome
Bob Moesta, co-developer of Jobs to Be Done framework, discusses how to start with JTBD, case studies in SAAS and selling houses, when not to use the approach, and common mistakes. The podcast explores the evolution of Jobs to be Done concept, relationship between jobs framework and personas, customer insights in the housing industry, upcoming book release, insights on AI for Jobs to be Done, and limitations of AI in product management.
Customers hire products to make progress in their lives, emphasizing a customer-centric approach over a product-centric one.
Recognizing the degree of irrationality in customer decisions and understanding contextual nuances are crucial in applying Jobs to be Done in product development.
Deep dives
The Origin of Jobs to be Done
Jobs to be Done was born out of Bob Mester's early struggles with dyslexia, leading him to realize that understanding what triggers people to seek new solutions is key. The method focuses on the notion that customers hire products to make progress in their lives, emphasizing a customer-centric approach over a product-centric one. Mester highlights the importance of identifying the moments when people decide they need something new.
Common Mistakes in Applying Jobs to be Done
One common mistake is conducting hypothesis-building research where preconceived ideas are validated rather than deeply understanding customers' needs. This approach often leads to viewing customers solely through the lens of the product, missing the broader context of their lives. Another challenge is deciphering between what customers say and what they truly mean, as 'pablam' language can obscure genuine needs. Moreover, recognizing the degree of irrationality in customer decisions and understanding the contextual nuances are crucial.
Applications of Jobs to be Done in Product Development
Applying Jobs to be Done in product development involves understanding the core struggle moments that drive customer decisions. For example, in the case of Snickers, the realization that customers were hiring the product as a quick fuel source led to a strategic shift in product positioning. By identifying the underlying job a product fulfills, companies can align their offerings more effectively with customer needs.
Harnessing Customer Insights for Career Management
Mester's upcoming book, 'Job Moves,' delves into using Jobs to be Done principles for career management. By understanding the motivations behind career transitions, individuals can proactively steer their professional paths. Additionally, corporations can leverage these insights to foster employee growth and retention by addressing the progress employees seek in their careers.
We've all heard about the Jobs to Be Done framework - but do you know how to really make the most of it? We went straight to the source - Bob Moesta, who developed the approach alongside Harvard Business School's Clayton Christensen - to really get into the approach.
In this episode, we cover:
How to get started with JTBD - and what to do after you've conducted a bunch of interviews.
Case studies, including SAAS, candy bars, and selling houses.
Our Hosts Lily Smith enjoys working as a consultant product manager with early-stage and growing startups and as a mentor to other product managers. She’s currently Chief Product Officer at BBC Maestro, and has spent 13 years in the tech industry working with startups in the SaaS and mobile space. She’s worked on a diverse range of products – leading the product teams through discovery, prototyping, testing and delivery. Lily also founded ProductTank Bristol and runs ProductCamp in Bristol and Bath.
Randy Silver is a Leadership & Product Coach and Consultant. He gets teams unstuck, helping you to supercharge your results. Randy's held interim CPO and Leadership roles at scale-ups and SMEs, advised start-ups, and been Head of Product at HSBC and Sainsbury’s. He participated in Silicon Valley Product Group’s Coaching the Coaches forum, and speaks frequently at conferences and events. You can join one of communities he runs for CPOs (CPO Circles), Product Managers (Product In the {A}ether) and Product Coaches. He’s the author of What Do We Do Now? A Product Manager’s Guide to Strategy in the Time of COVID-19. A recovering music journalist and editor, Randy also launched Amazon’s music stores in the US & UK.
Get the Snipd podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share & Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode