Empowering Technical Product Managers
This workshop's objective is to help technical product managers (PMs) understand the fundamentals of software engineering and adopt strategies to foster better communication, collaboration, and alignment with their engineering counterparts.
Syllabus
Designed as a hands-on, interactive one-day workshop, we will dive deep into the following topics:
Morning (~3 hours)
Introduction to Software Development
- Basic understanding of software architecture (front-end, back-end, databases, APIs, HTTP).
- Overview of popular development methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Kanban).
- Key terminology: sprints, user stories, technical debt, backlog, etc.
Decoding Developer Language
- Common tools engineers use (GitHub, Jira, Jenkins, etc.).
- Understanding tech terms: code repositories, version control, CI/CD, tech stack, etc.
- Asking the right questions.
Aligning Priorities: Product vs. Engineering
- Balancing business outcomes with technical feasibility.
- How to define MVP (minimum viable product) in a way that resonates with engineers.
- Managing trade-offs: features, bugs, and technical debt.
Afternoon (~3 hours)
Effective Communication with Engineers
- Using roadmaps and product specs engineers will understand.
- Facilitating productive sprint planning and retrospectives.
- Avoiding common communication pitfalls.
Problem-Solving in Cross-Functional Teams
- Conflict resolution strategies.
- Prioritizing tasks based on business and technical needs.
- How to navigate technical pushback constructively.
Collaborative Exercises & Case Studies
- Real-world scenarios: PM vs Engineer misalignment (interactive group discussions).
- Practical frameworks: translating non-technical product goals into technical requirements.
- Build a mini-product roadmap and sprint plan with an engineering focus.
Who will benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is designed for junior to mid-level product managers who are new to working directly with software developers or who would like to significatlly improve thier effectiveness when collaborating with highly technical colleagues.
How many product managers can participate?
My workshops are designed for small-group settings to ensure participants can get the most out of the material and their time with me. I generally cap enrollment at six, however exceptions can be made.
Should we do the workshop online (remote) or in-person?
As with most group activities, participants will get the most out of the engagement in-person. However, because many teams are distributed, I offer a remote version of this workshop that is almost as exciting.
How much do you charge for this workshop?
I'm deferring to the most annoying answer known to humans: "It Depends". I work hard to ensure the workshop is tailored to your specific needs. This means knowing a bit about your tech stack, your agile practices, team makeup, etc. Group size also plays a factor. Because I am independent, I'm able to offer world-class material at very reasonable prices. You should not anticipate any sticker shock.
Book your workshop today
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