Shifting focus from completion to impact measurement through iterative methods at Sam's Club.
Overcoming challenges and embracing iterative processes for continuous improvement in product development.
Encouraging a growth mindset and empathy to drive organizational change and successfully implement a product mindset.
Deep dives
Building Product Management Mindset at Sam's Club
At Sam's Club, Lar focused on introducing a new product management approach to a traditionally merchant-driven culture. Through iterative methods, emphasis on flexibility in software development, and defining impactful metrics, the journey began by shifting the organization's focus from completion to impact measurement.
Transitioning to Iterative Product Development
The move towards iterative development at Sam's Club involved overcoming challenges like lengthy project timelines and a launch-centric approach. Embracing iterative processes allowed the team to focus on continuous improvement and outcomes, shifting from completion to impact evaluation.
Integrating Innovation and Adaptability
Encouraging a growth mindset and empathy were key strategies in driving organizational change. By fostering openness to new ideas and building trust through understanding and shared experiences with stakeholders, the team successfully implemented a product mindset within the organization.
Measuring Product Impact and Metrics Strategy
Lar emphasized the importance of actionable, comprehensible metrics to gauge product manager impact. By focusing on meaningful metrics like sales, repeat rates, and membership revenue, Sam's Club aims to drive success through clear measurement and understanding of underlying variables.
Developing Product Management Teams and Skills
Leveraging diverse backgrounds and skills, Sam's Club focuses on curiosity, creativity, and empathy for team members. Approaching frustrations with curiosity and aligning business goals with innovative product management strategies foster a culture of continuous learning and impact-driven decision-making.
Blair Ethington, VP of Product Management at Sam’s Club, talks about the challenges and opportunities that come with introducing the product management mindset to enterprise companies. Get the latest updates from the show at www.thisisproductmanagement.com.
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