Product vs. Feature Teams cover image
Product Management

Product vs. Feature Teams

Uncover the crucial differences between empowered product teams and feature teams.

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Marty Cagan
Aug 29, 2019 • 10 min read
6.3
Intermediate
Collaboration for Innovation
Innovation Culture
Product Manager Role
Product Roadmaps

Summary

This article delves into the ongoing confusion in tech product roles, particularly highlighting the differences between empowered product teams and feature teams. It critiques the institutionalization of ineffective practices and emphasizes the need for true innovation and empowerment within product teams. The author provides clarity on the roles and responsibilities of product managers, urging professionals to recognize whether they are part of a feature team or an empowered product team. A call to action encourages readers to critically evaluate product-related content and training.

Takeaways

  • Empowered product teams focus on outcomes and innovation, not just output.
  • Evaluate your team's structure to identify if you are truly empowered.
  • Feature teams often lack empowerment and focus on delivering predefined features.
  • Product managers in empowered teams need deep knowledge and ensure value and viability.
  • Role clarity is crucial to avoid confusion and maximize team efficiency.
  • An empowered Product Team manager is explicitly responsible for ensuring value and Business viability.
  • Delivery Teams in a tech environment have great numbers and mostly focus on output. While Product Teams are focused on outcomes rather than output. They solve problems in ways customers love and work for the business.
  • Product Teams and Feature Teams look similar but they're completely different, especially when it comes to the roles of the Product Managers. The Feature Team product manager directs the team to deliver output based on the provided roadmap by the stakeholders. He is accountable if the Product fails to deliver value and Business viability.
  • The tech field is occupied by three types of product teams. The Delivery Teams (Dev Teams), the Product Teams, and the Feature teams.

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