Escaping the Build Trap

To stay competitive, organizations need to adopt a customer-centric culture of product management that focuses on outcomes rather than outputs. This book explains how to set up a product organization that scales, how product strategy connects a company's vision and economic outcomes to product activities, and how to build a culture focused on successful outcomes over outputs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 175 pages
Publication date: 30 November 2018
Publisher: O'Reilly Media, Inc, USA

In the fiercely competitive landscape of today's market, organizations must embrace a culture of customer-centric practices that prioritize outcomes over mere outputs. Companies that solely focus on generating features to meet arbitrary deadlines often fall into the trap of the "build trap," churning out products that may satisfy their internal goals but fail to address the genuine needs and desires of their customers. To overcome this challenge, this book by Melissa Perri offers valuable insights on how to establish the foundations for exceptional product management. By understanding the art of effective communication and collaboration within a company's structure, readers can cultivate a product culture that not only benefits the business but also enhances customer satisfaction.

The book is divided into five compelling parts, each exploring key aspects of product management. In Part 1, the author delves into the reasons why organizations tend to prioritize shipping features rather than nurturing the inherent value those features represent. By shifting the focus towards understanding the customer's needs and desires, organizations can create products that truly resonate with their target audience and drive meaningful outcomes.

Part 2 focuses on the establishment of a product organization that can scale and adapt to the ever-changing market dynamics. It emphasizes the importance of building a strong team, defining clear roles and responsibilities, and implementing effective processes and tools to streamline product development and delivery.

Part 3 explores the crucial connection between a company's vision and economic outcomes and how product strategy plays a pivotal role in bridging the gap. It emphasizes the need for product managers to align their activities with the broader business goals, ensuring that every product decision contributes to the overall success of the organization.

Part 4 delves into the art of identifying and pursuing the right opportunities for producing value through an iterative product framework. It emphasizes the importance of continuous innovation, experimentation, and learning to stay ahead of the competition and deliver products that exceed customer expectations.

Part 5 emphasizes the importance of building a culture that prioritizes successful outcomes over mere outputs. It encourages organizations to foster a mindset of continuous improvement, adaptability, and resilience, enabling them to navigate the complexities of the market and thrive in the long term.

By incorporating the principles outlined in this book, organizations can unlock their full potential and achieve sustainable competitive advantage. Whether they are small startups or established enterprises, product managers can leverage the insights provided to create products that not only meet customer needs but also drive business growth and success.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone seeking to excel in product management and build a culture that prioritizes customer-centric practices. By understanding the importance of outcomes over outputs, organizations can create products that resonate with their audience, drive meaningful outcomes, and achieve long-term success in the fiercely competitive market of today.

Weight: 308g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781491973790