Episode #3 - Understanding the Differences: Product Teams vs. Project Teams

When it comes to managing teams within a tech or software development company, it's essential to understand the difference between product and feature teams.

The key distinction between these two types of teams is about their level of empowerment.

Product teams are given a problem to solve and are given the freedom and resources to find a solution. They take ownership of identifying and meeting customer needs, and they make decisions independently to achieve that goal. These teams usually stick together for a while, at least a year or two.

On the other hand, feature teams are assigned specific features to build. They don't have the responsibility of figuring out what the customer wants; instead, they are tasked with delivering the requirements set for them. These teams may not have as much control as product teams, and their lifespan may be shorter, depending on the feature they're working on.

The difference between product and project teams is more about accountability.

A product team takes charge of the outcome, whereas a project team is there to accomplish a particular project and move on. In the context of lean startup, a product team is considered "enduring" as it's expected to last for a long time, whereas a project team is temporary and exists only for the project's duration.

Many companies follow the "pool model" of project teams, believing it to be more efficient as every engineer can be fully utilized on the most crucial project at the time. However, this idea is a fallacy. Creating successful products takes time and requires the development of skills and knowledge. Engineers, designers, and product managers need to invest time to learn the technology, comprehend the codebase, understand the customer, and work with the same team to build trust, foster collaboration and satisfy customer needs.

Project teams are often plagued by slow progress, lack of innovation, and high technical debt.

Success is not attained through projects but through consistent iterations in a specific area. The telltale signs of project teams are teams of "contractors," slow velocity, little innovation, spiraling technical debt, lack of accountability for results, abandoned projects, and blame games.

Despite its drawbacks, many companies still use project teams, mainly because it's a fixture in the IT culture. In many organizations, technology is treated as a cost center and funded through projects, leading to waste and making the company vulnerable to disruption.

It's essential for organizations to understand that switching from project to product teams is crucial for long-term success.

If you're looking to join an awesome Digital Product Team, reach out to me. We're always seeking talented individuals. #conrad #allpartsofsuccess