Frameworks
JUN 20, 2024

Your first 100 days as a product owner

Petra Ivanigova, Delivery Coach Lead, shares a 100-day journey to master being a product owner and lead the team to launch successful spacecraft-like missions with strategic vision.

8 min read
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Imagine you’re part of a team launching a spacecraft to the moon. Each person has a key role, and every detail is important. As the product owner, you’re like the mission director guiding the team towards successful launches.

Whether you’re new to product ownership or a seasoned pro, consider this your go-to resource.

As a product owner, get to know your product, stakeholders, business model and industry domain including direct competitors.

⚡ Remember, you’re not just a project manager, you’re a leader, strategist, and customer advocate.

As a product owner, understanding your users is key. Imagine exploring their experiences, uncovering problems, and empathizing with their needs. Additionally, it’s important to recognize whether your organization is data-led or product-driven. In a data-led company, decision-making is guided by analytics, whereas a product-driven approach places a premium on innovation and user experience. This shapes your product strategy and sets the stage for success.

Now that you’ve set the stage, it’s time to create a high-level product roadmap. This roadmap outlines key features, release timelines, and dependencies. Here’s how to proceed:

Next, prioritize your backlog:

📌 Your roadmap is not just a plan, it’s a dynamic guide that keeps everyone on track toward shared goals.

As you refine your product journey, let’s focus on the details. Imagine you’re preparing for a space mission, every step counts.

🔍 Remember, attention to detail now sets the stage for successful launches later.

As you approach the midpoint of your journey, it’s time to deliver your product to the world. Imagine standing at the launchpad, ready to release your creation.

🚀 As a product owner, you’re not just delivering a product, you’re launching a mission.

A person thinking about a product strategy

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Product Ownership (Sketch by Petra)

As you continue your journey, imagine your product expanding its reach, like a ripple effect in a pond. Let’s explore how you can make a lasting impact:

⭐ As a product owner, you’re not just building a product, you’re shaping an experience.

Congratulations on your first 100 days as a product owner. Here’s a quick recap of your key insights:

Armed with these insights, you’re well-prepared to tackle the challenges ahead. As a product owner, keep evolving, innovating, and guiding your team towards success. Strive for excellence and set your goals even higher.