Coaching Mindset

In this episode, Marty and Christian discuss the mindset behind strong product teams. While there are plenty of resources around the skills used on such teams, there is a lack of resources around the attitudes underpinning their success. If you are “stuck in a feature team” these concepts will feel especially unfamiliar. However, SVPG has collected a series of case studies proving that these mindset shifts can drive outcomes across a range of industries and geographies. 

In today’s discussion, we unpack:
● Why ideas are only 10% of product work
● Why cross-functional skills are critical
● Steve Jobs’ take on product discovery and collaboration
● The necessity of friction when collaborating
● The value of involving engineers in discovery
● How to handle disagreements
● How to win the hearts and minds of your team

Timestamps:
[00:00:00] Episode Intro
[00:01:30] Steve Jobs on Product Discovery 
[00:02:49] Reaction to Steve Jobs on Product Discovery
[00:06:55] How ICs can advocate for a better product model
[00:09:14] Problem discovery versus solution discovery
[00:13:43] The role of enabling technology 
[00:14:35] Why cross-functional skills are critical 
[00:19:55] Steve Jobs on Collaboration 
[00:21:35] The necessity of friction when collaborating
[00:25:30] The importance of psychological safety and diversity of views
[00:30:55] Why outsourced engineering doesn't work
[00:34:00] The value of involving engineers in discovery
[00:36:11] How to handle disagreements
[00:39:30] Dealing with ego in disagreements
[00:41:00] The definition of “stakeholders” and advice for engaging with them 
[00:45:13] How to win the hearts and minds of your team 
[00:48:50] Response to: "But my company can’t do this!” 
[00:52:23] Where to find SVPG resources
[00:52:34] About SVPG’s new book: Transformed
[00:54:02] Disclaimer

References:
Amazon’s PRFAQ: https://www.svpg.com/example-prfaq/
Einstein quote about problem solving: https://www.goodreads.com/quotes/60780-if-i-had-an-hour-to-solve-a-problem-i-d
Google’s research on effective teams: https://www.thinkwithgoogle.com/intl/en-emea/consumer-insights/consumer-trends/five-dynamics-effective-team/
President Kennedy’s challenge for NASA: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmN1wO_24Ao&ab_channel=NASAVideo
Steve Jobs, The Lost Interview: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/steve-jobs-the-lost-interview/umc.cmc.493j4pff9l0e7b6lbca47x2j8

Where to find SVPG:
SVPG’s new book, TRANSFORMED: https://www.svpg.com/books/transformed-moving-to-the-product-operating-model/
Other books: https://www.svpg.com/books/
Articles: https://www.svpg.com/articles/
Workshops: https://www.svpg.com/
Videos: https://www.svpg.com/videos/

Where to find Christian Idiodi:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cidiodi/

Where to find Marty Cagan:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cagan/

Disclaimer:
While this podcast is named “Product Therapy”, it is not hosted by licensed therapists or mental health professionals, and it is in no way a substitute for professional mental health services. We recognize the importance of mental well-being and encourage anyone facing personal difficulties to seek support from qualified professionals.  See: https://findahelpline.com/