Today we’ll look at a handful of proven formulas for successful end-to-end product management. But first, let’s get a working definition for end-to-end product management.
The term refers to the beginning and endpoints of a service. Going a bit deeper, the theory associated with end-to-end product management is that eliminating as many middle layers as possible will optimize performance and efficiency of any process. It’s essentially the business version of too many cooks spoiling the soup. Or as I like to say it too many Quarterbacks ruin an offence. The cleaner and neater a process is, the more efficient it will be and the more time and money you will save at your company. Implementing this is not only a good idea if you are a start-up. In fact some of the largest companies in the world look to better manage their product with this theory.
So where do you start?
1) Everybody on the team fully understands the end-to-end product management plan
If you are going to be eliminating middle layers in your business process, you’re going to need to make sure that everyone knows what they’re doing to avoid two people doing the same job. The best way to do this is to have everyone at the company or at least on the team involved in the process, know exactly what your end-to-end product management plan is, from start to finish. The more you educate your employees, the better chance you have of having a seamless process
There is one thing your product strategy might still be missing.
2) Start together, work together, and finish together
This tip is somewhat similar. Make sure that everyone is on the same page. When your team starts work together, sticks together in the middle, they will finish quickly, and at the same time. When the quarterback calls a play in the huddle they don’t break up and have each player do his job separately. The team works together the entire time to see the success of the play. When your team is all on the same page, you all can encourage each other and get things done using teamwork. Have you ever heard the expression, “it takes a village to raise a child”? It’s the exact same thing with a company. Sometimes I like to say “it takes a school to raise a fish”. It makes less sense but it sounds good. Every person has an absolutely crucial role in getting a company off the ground and allowing them to stay successful.
3) Every major system has an owner
Accountability is a hugely important factor. Make sure that every system in you process has an owner – someone who is responsible for it. If you don’t, you’ll find that things get lost in the middle which can really throw a wrench in your process. Make sure the owner of each system knows his or her system inside and out – because they should be the only person in charge – having more than one person in charge of the same system wastes time and money.
Successful end-to-end product management can work wonders for your company and with three easy steps, you’ll be able to successfully implement it. Give these tips a try at your company and you’ll be seeing amazing results in no time.