Project Mindset vs Product mindset

In the recent past have been focusing on product and how we can help enable product owners in their role.

Have observed many organisations, teams and product owners struggling in finding the right balance between project and product focus.

Let’s try to understand what’s the difference between having a project mindset versus a product mindset.

The Project Mindset

A project starts with an idea. Temporary teams are formed whose main objectives is to deliver the idea on time, under cost and within scope.

Thus, the project mindset defines success from the “inside out” using internal measurements that are more about task management and about how accurately the initial plan was followed.

Though delivering on scope, time and cost is important but at the end we need to deliver a product which gives value to the customer.

We might deliver an idea on scope, time and cost but it is not necessary a great product.

So, how about having a product mindset where the focus is delivering a product which the customer value ?

The Product Mindset

In a product mindset, focus in on outcomes rather than output.

Focus is on an “outside in” approach which uses external measurements like user adoption/retention, revenue, cost savings per feature to actively guide the development of the product maximize value.

In Summary, A product mindset encourages

More frequent releases which enables in earlier feedback from the market.

Communicates objectives instead of tasks leading to more creativity and ownership over their plans.

Eliminates waste by depending less on task assignment, reporting and management decisions.

Maximizing revenue

Alignment of business and delivery as focus is on “what can we ship first which can make the maximum impact on our targets.” ?

And so helps in creating a great product.

Whereas , A project mindset is leads to

Less business involvement

More hand offs

More reporting, task management

More project management

So, will it not be a great idea if we can approach our idea and its business case as a product and impress upon the team that the only way to maximize value and ROI is to release something of value as early as possible and validate our business assumptions ?

Would love to hear your views — what’s the mindset your organisation, your team and you have ?

Reference :

The Professional Product Owner: Leveraging Scrum as a Competitive Advantage