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One question that we encounter often at Contribyte is: what is a functional division of responsibilities between the Product Manager and Product Owner? \u00a0In many organizations, the areas of responsibility of these roles overlap to a great extent, and very few organizations have them written down in detail somewhere. Both the Product Owner<\/span><\/a> and Product Manager are in principle responsible for the product\u2019s features, release plan, roadmap, and ensuring that every release of the product maximizes the benefit to the company. When the responsibilities are this similar, there is a risk that the tasks will become so unclear that something essential is left undone.<\/span><\/p>\n Another risk is that poor cooperation between the Product Manager and Product Owner may result in them pulling in opposite directions. With the Product Manager often being the \u201cbigger honcho\u201d in the company, these situations may result in the Product Owner feeling like they are only an assistant to the Product Manager or a \u201ctenant,\u201d rather than the real owner.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The roles and responsibilities of both the Product Manager and Product Owner are so complex (Contribyte\u2019s introductory training on the topic lasts a whole day) that it is impossible to give an exhaustive definition of them in this blog. However, I can mention a few main things that clearly fall within the purview of one or the other. But cooperation is even more important than the division of responsibilities!<\/span><\/p>\n Smooth cooperation is the number one thing. If the cooperation and communication between the Product Manager and Product Owner function well, closely defined areas of responsibility are less important: two colleagues can continually agree upon who does what on a daily and weekly basis. Of course, defining the responsibilities helps even a good pair of fighters work more efficiently. On the other hand, if there is anything in their personal chemistry that hinders the cooperation, or if the cooperation involves other challenges attributable to another organization or a time difference, for example, the situation becomes significantly more difficult. In such a situation, defining the responsibilities becomes more important.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The Product Manager\u2019s office should be viewed as an oracle\u2019s chamber of wisdom.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n I have advised Product Owners that they should view the Product Manager\u2019s office as an oracle\u2019s chamber of wisdom: they can enter the office (with a sacrificial offering?) and ask the Product Manager\u2019s opinion if they encounter a tricky problem that they cannot immediately figure out a good solution to themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n The clearest and largest difference between the Product Manager and Product Owner is the distance to the team. If the differences between the roles were to be compared using army terminology, the Product Owner, who is closer to the team and details, is like a platoon or group leader, whereas the Product Manager, who takes care of the bigger picture and resources and is further away from the team, is like a company commander.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The word \u201cowner\u201d is a part of the name of the role of Product Owner. What exactly is intended with this ownership? In my view, the word owner is used here because \u201cthe devil is in the details\u201d \u2013 defining the details and keeping the daily business rolling has that significant of an impact on the product development team\u2019s ability to produce a functional high-quality product.<\/span><\/p>\n The word owner is included in the title of Product Owner to create a sense that this person is ultimately responsible for ensuring that the team does valuable things and produces results at the desired pace. Another metaphor that I have sometimes heard being used for the role of Product Owner is that everything should work like the engine of a vehicle: the Product Owner should simultaneously be the lubricant that streamlines the engine\u2019s operation as well as the fuel injection system that supplies the engine with fuel (i.e. user stories). If we try to find a metaphor for the role of Product Manager in the automotive industry, would this mean that the Product Manager would sit in the driver\u2019s seat, with the customer relaxing in the backseat?<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n If it feels like things are not moving forward, the Product Owner is responsible for making them progress.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Ownership also means that if it feels like things are not moving forward, the Product Owner is responsible for making them progress. The first problem encountered by a product development organization is that if things are not being taken care of or decided upon, the intended releases will not come out. Because keeping the release machine operational is the main responsibility of the Product Owner, they must take action if the necessary decisions are not being made.<\/span><\/p>\n During my time at Nokia, a more worldly-wise R & D Director taught me that responsibility is not given; it is taken. A Product Owner should also keep this in mind \u2013 if it feels like things are not moving forward, the Product Owner is responsible for making them progress. Of course, they should not step on anyone\u2019s toes (at least with force), but neither should the Product Owner take everything lying down.<\/span><\/p>\n In a situation in which no one takes responsibility, the Product Owner must take it. Another way I have thought of this is that a lack of a responsible party expands the Product Owner\u2019s responsibility like a balloon to fill the space that is given to it. But remember to be diplomatic! In such cases of \u201cexpanding responsibility,\u201d I would recommend excessive communication, i.e. making sure that everyone knows what is happening and who plays what role.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Earlier on, I promised to list the most important responsibilities of the Product Owner and Product Manager and which things they should have joint responsibility for. Here is my view on the subject:<\/span><\/p>\n The three main responsibilities of the Product Owner:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n The three main responsibilities of the Product Manager:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n Their main joint responsibilities:<\/b><\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n The organizations to succeed the best in future product development are the ones with seamless cooperation between product management and Product Owners.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n The Product Owner should keep in mind that the Product Manager is not involved in the daily hustle and bustle, so the Product Manager must be provided with an accurate picture of the situation. The Product Owner also bears the main responsibility for the team\u2019s well-being, specifying details and delivering the current release. For their part, the Product Manager should keep in mind that the Product Owner can only make the right decisions if they have an up-to-date understanding of the vision and goals as well as a correct understanding of the customers\u2019 needs.<\/span><\/p>\n The organizations to succeed the best in future product development are the ones with seamless cooperation between product management and Product Owners. Although the name of one role features the word \u201cowner\u201d and the other may more often be a step above the other in the company hierarchy, neither of them is the land owner or tenant. Farmers the both of them, I would say. Get your hands dirty!<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Contribyte is one of the leading Finnish experts in product management, product development and product ownership. We can help you and your organization make your operating methods more efficient. <\/i>Contact us<\/i><\/span><\/a> so that we can determine your situation!<\/i><\/span><\/p>\nCooperation Is Power!<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Chamber of Wisdom<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Product Ownership \u2013 What Exactly Does It Mean?<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Responsibility Is Not Given; It Is Taken!<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
Main Responsibilities of Both Roles<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n
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Neither of Them Is a Land Owner<\/b><\/span><\/h3>\n