Product Owner: The Bridge and the boxer Surviving in 2024

The year 2024 began with a lot of emotions in the Swedish market. As we navigate through these dynamic times I would like to introduce the new version of the Product Owner that I believe that if you want to or would like to keep working on this paper must have in your mind now. Before diving into the upcoming article series on good practices, let's explore this transformed role.

What is a Product Owner?

According to Scrum.org, the Product Owner is a role in the Scrum framework responsible for maximizing the value of the product and the work of the Development Team. The Product Owner is the primary individual accountable for defining and prioritizing the product backlog, which represents the features, enhancements, and fixes to be implemented in the product.

Key responsibilities of a Product Owner include:

1. Defining the Product Backlog and this includes setting priorities;
2. Ensuring Stakeholder Alignment;
3. Providing Clarity on Requirements;
4. Participating in Sprint Planning and Review;
5. Responding to Changes.

The New PO in 2024

The new PO takes on an additional key responsibility: Crisis Management. With rapid changes, the market, especially in the face of advancements like AI and shifts in Agile methodologies, demands a professional who not only serves as a business bridge but also has the characteristics of a boxer. But you ask me, Tai, Why a Boxer?

A boxer, like a modern PO, must be prepared, agile, flexible, and adept at predicting the next move. In the fast-paced market, a PO needs to be ready to defend against challenges, adapt swiftly, and predict changes just like a skilled boxer in the ring.

And you, Product Owner, what adaptations have you made to fit into this new market era?

Share your experiences and strategies as we collectively navigate the dynamic challenges of 2024.