The Battle of Operators vs. Advisors: Balancing Strategy and Hands-On Work in Product Development
In any organization, there are individuals who focus on the day-to-day operations and problem-solving, while others take a step back to analyze the broader strategic landscape. These two distinct roles are commonly referred to as operators and advisors. Operators are the ones in the trenches, dealing with the nitty-gritty details of building products, managing projects, and solving problems. On the other hand, advisors are responsible for looking at the bigger picture and providing guidance based on their strategic insights.
The Challenge of Losing Strategic Perspective
One of the challenges faced by operators is losing sight of the strategic perspective. When you’re caught up in the daily hustle and bustle, it’s easy to get immersed in the operational details and lose sight of the overall strategy. This phenomenon is often compared to the “fog of war” experienced in battle, where soldiers become so engrossed in the immediate fight that they may lose track of the larger objectives.
The Importance of Strategic Situational Awareness
Maintaining strategic situational awareness is crucial for effective product management. It enables teams to make informed decisions, avoid getting stuck in tactical dead-ends, and understand the opportunity costs associated with their choices. By constantly assessing the strategic landscape, product managers can ensure that their teams are on the right track and aligned with the overall business objectives.
Overcoming the Loss of Perspective
To overcome the loss of perspective and ensure strategic thinking remains at the forefront, operators need to periodically rise above the trenches and reassess the problems and strategies from a distance. By stepping back, they can gain a fresh perspective and evaluate whether their current approaches are still aligned with the strategic goals. This can be achieved through various methods:
Rising Above the Trenches
Operators can rise above the trenches by taking a step back from their day-to-day tasks and dedicating time to strategic thinking. This means setting aside specific periods to zoom out and reflect on the bigger picture. By intentionally creating space for strategic contemplation, operators can regain clarity and align their actions with the broader strategy.
Immersing in Customer Conversations
Another effective way to maintain strategic perspective is by immersing oneself in customer conversations. By actively engaging with customers, operators can gain insights into their needs, pain points, and aspirations. This customer-centric approach helps operators understand the broader market landscape and make informed decisions that align with customer expectations.
Understanding Business Priorities
Operators should also invest time in understanding the business priorities beyond their immediate projects or tasks. By familiarizing themselves with the overarching goals and objectives of the organization, operators can make more strategic choices and prioritize their efforts accordingly. This understanding helps them connect their work to the bigger picture and contribute meaningfully to the overall strategy.
Addressing the Obstacle of Time
One major obstacle to strategic thinking is the lack of time. Operators are often caught up in the demands of their daily responsibilities, leaving little room for dedicated strategic contemplation. To counteract this, it is essential to schedule dedicated “forest time” for strategic thinking.
Scheduling Dedicated “Forest Time”
Leaders should encourage their teams to schedule specific blocks of time for strategic thinking. This “forest time” should be protected from interruptions and distractions, allowing team members to focus solely on strategic considerations. By allocating regular time slots for this purpose, operators can regain perspective and ensure that their work aligns with the overall strategy.
Encouraging Team Members to Take “Forest Time”
In addition to individual “forest time,” leaders should also promote the practice within the entire team. Encouraging team members to collectively engage in strategic thinking helps foster a culture of strategic awareness and collaboration. By providing opportunities for shared reflections and discussions, the team can contribute more effectively to the overall strategy and make collective decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the business landscape.
Structuring Effective “Forest Time”
To make the most of dedicated “forest time,” it is essential to implement a structure that ensures its effectiveness.
Scheduled Group Meetings
Organizing scheduled group meetings can be an effective way to kickstart strategic discussions during “forest time.” These meetings provide an opportunity for team members to share their insights, exchange ideas, and collectively assess the strategic direction. It’s crucial to create a safe and inclusive environment where everyone’s opinions are valued and diverse perspectives are encouraged.
Individual Workbooks with Checklists
Providing individual workbooks with checklists can help operators navigate their strategic thinking process during “forest time.” These workbooks can serve as guides, prompting them to consider essential elements such as market trends, competitive analysis, and customer insights. By following a structured approach, operators can ensure that their strategic thinking is comprehensive and covers all relevant aspects.
Periodic Discussions to Compare Notes
Periodic discussions to compare notes are vital to ensure alignment and shared understanding among team members. These discussions provide an opportunity to share individual insights gained during “forest time” and collectively refine the strategic direction. By engaging in open and constructive dialogues, the team can benefit from diverse perspectives and make well-informed strategic decisions.
In the fast-paced world of business, operators and advisors play distinct but equally important roles. While operators are essential for executing day-to-day tasks, advisors provide the strategic guidance necessary to drive long-term success. To ensure that operators don’t lose sight of the strategic picture, it is crucial to maintain strategic situational awareness. By periodically rising above the trenches, immersing in customer conversations, understanding business priorities, and scheduling dedicated “forest time,” operators can overcome the challenges of losing perspective and contribute more effectively to the overall strategy.
FAQs
Why is strategic situational awareness important for product management?
Strategic situational awareness is important for product management because it allows teams to make informed decisions, avoid tactical dead-ends, and understand the opportunity costs associated with their choices. It ensures that product managers have a comprehensive understanding of the strategic landscape and can align their actions with the overall business objectives.
How can operators overcome the loss of strategic perspective?
Operators can overcome the loss of strategic perspective by periodically rising above the trenches and reassessing the problems and strategies from a distance. They can also immerse themselves in customer conversations to gain insights into customer needs and aspirations. Understanding business priorities beyond immediate tasks is also crucial for maintaining strategic perspective.
What is “forest time” in the context of strategic thinking?
“Forest time” refers to dedicated periods of time set aside for strategic thinking. It is a time when operators can step back from their day-to-day tasks and focus on the bigger picture. During “forest time,” individuals can reflect on the strategic direction, evaluate their current approaches, and ensure that their actions align with the broader strategy.
How can leaders encourage their teams to take “forest time”?
Leaders can encourage their teams to take “forest time” by promoting the practice and providing support. They can emphasize the importance of strategic thinking and allocate specific time slots for it. By creating a culture that values and prioritizes strategic contemplation, leaders can inspire their teams to dedicate time for reflection and contribute more effectively to the overall strategy.
What are some effective structures for utilizing “forest time”?
Some effective structures for utilizing “forest time” include scheduled group meetings, individual workbooks with checklists, and periodic discussions to compare notes. Group meetings provide a platform for sharing insights and fostering collaboration. Workbooks with checklists guide individuals through the strategic thinking process. Periodic discussions help align the team’s understanding and refine the strategic direction. By implementing these structures, operators can ensure that their “forest time” is used effectively and not wasted.
