Beyond Frameworks: The Three Pillars of Successful Product Organizations

We have all witnessed the evolution of work methodologies and organizational philosophies (such as Agile Methodology, Design Thinking, Product Thinking, Product Operating Model, Platform Operating Model, Working Backwards, Lean Process Improvement, etc.) and the eagerness of organisations to adapt those. However often misapplied or half applied, before switching on to the next one and the one after. The core of the problem is that those are frameworks that must be tailored to one’s reality and journey, as the transformation progresses. When the adaptation is not crystal clear and sharp, things are left to different interpretations causing misalignments, frustrations and the urge to look for the “next thing”. Hence it is important to step back and recognize the 3 pillars of successful Product orgs, regardless of the frameworks being rolled out at a given time:

1. Genuine Empathy: This is not merely about understanding or acknowledging the customer’s (and colleagues) pain points, but about immersing oneself in their world, experiencing their challenges as one’s own.
2. Dynamic Synthesis: The collaborative interplay that is not about compromise but about creating innovative solutions from the differing strengths and viewpoints of various teams. Using the creative tension between disciplines to achieve outcomes that no single perspective could drive alone.
3. Solid Accountability: Recognizing the repercussions of one’s actions to customers and stakeholders, underscored by feedback mechanisms. Such accountability fosters a culture of decision ownership and action well into the future (aka extending the shadow of the future), embodying the principle of “you break it, you own it.”

It is imperative for organizations to establish solid foundations for their teams, fostering an environment where genuine empathy, dynamic synthesis, and solid accountability are not merely encouraged but core in the company culture. Only then one can navigate effectively the different ways of working, frameworks and methodologies matching their needs.