3 Steps to Harmony Between Product Management & Engineering

Product management and product development teams have their fare share of differences.  At some level, these differences are healthy because in the end, they produce better results. 

But in many cases, these differences can be very unhealthy to the point of becoming infectious across the organization, ultimately leading to late deliveries and products that fail to meet market needs.  As with most conflicts, poor communication is a major contributing factor.

Here are three simple practices you can adopt to help your product management and product development teams work more harmoniously.

Educate…as in educate each other. 

Product Management should take the lead and provide regular forums for Engineering on topics such as emerging market trends and target customer challenges, new business practices, and current customer successes. 

In a reciprocal fashion, Engineering should educate Product Management on topics such as new and emerging technologies, making better use of existing technologies, the trials and tribulations of a typical development project and pitfalls to avoid.

Bottom line:  the better you understand each other, the better you can work together. 

Introduce External Forces…as in customers, prospects and industry consultants. 

When there is a major difference of opinion between product management and Engineering on product issues, both parties tend to dig their heels in when in truth, neither may be completely accurate. 

Find 3-5 organizations that best fit the profile of your target customers and ask them how they would approach the situation.  Chances are you’ll come up with a solution that’s easier and better than anything previously discussed.

Socialize More…whether it’s at work or outside of work.  

I know what you’re thinking, but success is based on strong personal relationships and trust.  Spend more time getting to know your peers.  Chances are you share common interests with many of them and it becomes the foundation for stronger working relationships. 

Find 3-5 organizations that best fit the profile of your target customers and ask them how they would approach the situation.  Chances are you’ll come up with a solution that’s easier and better than anything previously discussed.

Socialize More…whether it’s at work or outside of work.  

I know what you’re thinking, but success is based on strong personal relationships and trust.  Spend more time getting to know your peers.  Chances are you share common interests with many of them and it becomes the foundation for stronger working relationships. 

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