Christopher Global

Misalignment between product and project management can be attributed to their competitive nature. Supported by strong executive support, product management focuses on product strategy. Having delivered 30% of projects on time for over 50 years, project management is a reliable, customizable method. Which do you prioritize: product vision or product delivery?

Rather than competing for product vision, program outcomes, or project objectives, these teams are meant to work in support of each other. Make sure both teams are accountable for the delivery of product and services, and that leadership oversees rather than favors one team over the other.

Leaders should not want either team to think their contributions are not end-to-end. That's why there's a handshake. In order to achieve maximum impact, function A must perform well, then we handshake, and function B must perform well.

Starting by defining roles and responsibilities between the teams will help establish cultural harmony. The same as if your company were transitioning from traditional to agile delivery, you would assign roles and responsibilities based on skill sets rather than organization value. Organizational modernization shouldn't diminish the value of independent teams.

Enhance the business value of each delivery team, regardless of which function is at the forefront of the delivery lifecycle. With this strategy, you will bridge the value gap while minimizing competition.