Product Mastery in Corporate Software: Insights from Kent McDonald
Sep 27, 2024
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Kent McDonald, an experienced product manager and writer, shares his insights from nearly two decades in corporate software. He discusses the intricate challenges that product managers face in large organizations developing internal software. The importance of strategic decision-making and effective communication is emphasized. McDonald also delves into evolving product operating models and collaboration across diverse skill sets. Key takeaways from Agile 2024 highlight overlooked trends in product management, focusing on discovery and the need for better metrics in corporate environments.
Effective product management in large organizations necessitates a focus on understanding real needs, challenging the established norms of decision-makers.
The establishment of effective metrics is vital for product management success, helping align organizational efforts and fostering a culture of accountability.
Deep dives
The Role of Product Management in Large Organizations
Product management in large organizations is distinct, particularly when software is built for internal use rather than for sale. These organizations often need to be convinced of the value of product management, as many decision-makers may lack technical expertise and base their requests on past experiences. A vital aspect of product management is ensuring that teams focus on building the right solutions that address actual needs, which requires understanding and distilling the underlying problems. Furthermore, it is crucial to consider whether developing software is necessary or if buying and customizing existing solutions may provide a more effective route.
Motivating Good Engineering Practices
Encouraging good engineering practices, such as pair programming and automated testing, in large organizations proves challenging due to resistance from established norms and practices. A notable example involves the implementation of automated testing, which faced pushback from a QA team that was skeptical of developers testing their own code. Success in fostering these practices often hinges on demonstration and role modeling, where teams show tangible results from adopting new methodologies. However, without continuous advocacy from technical leaders, these positive changes can quickly fade, demonstrating the crucial need for ongoing commitment to innovative practices.
The Importance of Metrics in Product Management
Establishing effective metrics is crucial for successful product management, especially within organizations creating software for internal use. Three key types of metrics include stable metrics for ongoing performance tracking, temporary metrics for measuring progress during changes, and goal-setting metrics to evaluate success. Organizations often shy away from comprehensive measurement practices due to fears of embarrassment or perceived opportunity costs, but fostering a culture of accountability can lead to better decision-making. Ultimately, measuring what truly matters enables teams to align their efforts with organizational success and provides clarity on whether they are pursuing the right projects.
This is the Engineering Culture Podcast, from the people behind InfoQ.com and the QCon conferences.
In this podcast Shane Hastie, Lead Editor for Culture & Methods spoke to Kent McDonald about his experience working with organizations that build software for internal use, emphasizing the importance of product management in these contexts.
Read a transcript of this interview: bit.ly/3zw4WaJ
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