Product Management
Stepping into the buzz of the #MTPcon 2023 in London, it struck me how the term 'Product Owner' in the Netherlands can mean vastly different things. This got me thinking—how well do we really understand our own product roles back home?
Here's something to chew on: the title 'Product Owner' can mean anything from a team role to a managerial position in the Dutch tech scene. Does this flexibility help or hinder us? It's worth considering how organizations define these roles and the impact that it has on our products and teams.
AUTHOR
Jasper Venema
Senior Product Owner
November 2023
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2 minutes
Tim Harford’s keynote was a reminder that value often comes in simple packages. Think about this in terms of your own work: are you making things more complicated than they need to be? Are you focusing on delivering real value to your customers, or getting caught up in the sophistication of your products?
Wise’s Nilan Peiris talked about making products that are not just better, but 10 times better than the alternative. In the Dutch market, with our pragmatic approach, are we creating that level of difference? Or are we getting lost in organizational structures and roles that don't necessarily serve our mission?
Susana Lopes introduced us to the idea of dual-track career ladders, a concept that could resonate deeply within the Dutch market. Are we providing clear paths for growth that don’t force everyone into managerial roles, or are we sticking to a one-size-fits-all career trajectory?
Marc Abraham emphasized learning from failure. In the Netherlands, we pride ourselves on being direct and upfront. But does that extend to how we deal with product setbacks? Are we creating environments where learning is valued over playing it safe?
As AI becomes more prevalent, Claire Woodcock's insights remind us to stay grounded in the human element. Let's ask ourselves: In our quest for the cutting edge, are we still building product with the customer at the heart?
Randy Silver talked about the perception of collaboration. It's a good time to reflect on how we perceive our roles and collaborate with others. Are we working in silos, or are we truly leveraging diverse perspectives to achieve our mission?
The insights from the conference are a call to action: let’s take a hard look at our roles and ask the tough questions. Are we aligning with international best practices, or are we carving out a uniquely Dutch approach to product management? And most importantly, is it working?
As we bring these thoughts back into our daily work, let's not just slip back into our defined roles. Instead, let's question, challenge, and redefine them to truly serve our products, our teams, and our customers.
As you ponder these questions and explore the potential within your product management practices, remember that you're not navigating these waters alone. We, the 25Friday team, are dedicated to guiding tech companies through the intricate maze of product strategy. With our expertise in consultancy and nearshore development, we partner with organisations to fine-tune their product vision, align their teams, and craft strategies that resonate in today’s dynamic market. Reach out to us, and let's work together to turn your product challenges into successful ventures that stand out in the tech landscape.
Product Management
May 2024
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5 minutes read
25Friday Product Guru Insights #2 - Saeed Khan
In this second Insight, we touch upon Problem-thinking vs. Solution-thinking, leveraging the use of Language, Strategic direction and Leadership & Discipline. The details of this episode can help Founders, CEO’s and Product people leverage a product operating model, especially in the B2B space. Something both 25Friday and Saeed Khan are actively supporting companies with.
Jasper Venema
Senior Product Owner
Product Management
May 2024
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4 minutes read
Transforming Into a True Product Company: A Guide for the C-Suite
We often meet prospective partners and identify the need to transition from a traditional business model to a product-centric one. However, it has proven quite difficult to convey that specific need to the founders and management teams. It’s not just a nice-to-have we’re talking about here - it's a necessity for staying competitive.
Jasper Venema
Senior Product Owner