The Product Owner is part of the Scrum Team, not above them
Until Product Owners become a real team member, they will never be able to thrive
“Talent wins games, but teamwork and intelligence wins championships.”
― Michael Jordan
When I see other Product Owners interacting with their Scrum Teams, I often notice something that annoys me a lot. Many Product Owners act as if they are above the Scrum Team, instead of being part of it. Such behavior will inevitably backfire, the team will get demotivated and will undermine the Product Owner.
Unfortunately, it’s common for me to observe Product Owners operating under command and control mindset with the team. If the team achieves the goal, the Product Owner cheerfully takes the credit for it. But if the team fails, the Product Owner blames the Development Team.
Is a relationship like this sustainable? Of course not.
Product Owners are part of the Scrum Team, not above them.
Who is the Product Owner?
Many companies and people misunderstand the Product Owner role. But what does the Scrum Guide say about this role?
