Dear all,
my last few posts about how OKRs and opportunity mapping can help to effectively bridge the gap between strategy and product development kind of had it backwards. Strategy should always come first.
Developing a solid product strategy is not an easy feat. It requires a clear vision, that is based on what the users want to get done by using the product, as well as the business objectives your company wants to achieve by building it. It also needs to take into account your actual means and capabilities.
A well-formed product strategy is a beacon that guides navigation in the open space between product vision and what’s being developed. It needs to be flexible to account for the unavoidable uncertainties along the way and not deteriorate into a rigid plan or roadmap.
If you circle back to the previous posts, the product strategy is essential to formulating outcomes that become the objectives guiding the decisions which of the mapped opportunities to follow.
Today I would, therefore, like to point you to posts by Melissa Perri and Roman Pichler that provide different perspectives on product strategy.
If you have time to read only one article, I do recommend Melissa Perri’s that clearly outlines the elements of and responsibilities for product strategy development.
What is Good Product Strategy? –
Melissa Perri’s extremely insightful post on strategy development – includes a useful template
ELEMENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE PRODUCT STRATEGY –
Roman Pichler’s post covers the basics and contains further helpful links
You may also need a good strategy to find a safe spot on the lakes or beaches this weekend…
Have a great hot summer weekend,
Godehard