🧟The zombie edition: from cats to scrum & more / PM Snacks #45

1️⃣ Why Zombie Scrum Teams Don’t Self-Organize Around Challenges
Jan 2021 • 5 min read • #execution #agility
I’ve seen too many teams that are somewhat dogmatic or stuck with “best practices”, ruining their efforts to bring operational excellence. Let’s state it again: consider each method as a collection of tools that you should cut in pieces, then deploy to tackle identified problems. Don’t apply the Spotify model to the letter (it doesn’t work, even Spotify knows it), don’t apply Shape Up to the letter. Don’t try to force one method on all teams. Note that this advice also applies to product work: don’t copy your competitors (unless it solves a clear problem), don’t apply UX recommendations without acknowledging the specifics of your audience.

2️⃣ Building Products at Slack
Jun 2021 • 13 min read • #execution #productsense
Here is an example of a feature that has been copied from a competitor with a clear intent, reasoning and problem to tackle: Slack Huddles (👋 Discord). I loved the behind the scene of this specific feature, the U-shaped CEO (= when & how to involve a product oriented CEO), the reminder of why you should be data informed (not driven).

3️⃣ 33 Activity Ideas for Remote UX Workshops
Apr 2021 • 8 min read • #execution #design
I know, the title mentions remote workshops at a time where many companies are reverting their policies on the subject (sorry if you are a victim)… but the methods presented are useful in any case. You’ll find some methods to:
1/ break the ice like the zombie cats (🧟😺)
2/ generate ideas with the disney strategy
3/ process ideas with NUF or RICE

4️⃣ WTF is The Blockchain?
Jun 2017 • 13 min read • #tech #web3
Since many years, I’ve been following the development of blockchain technologies (I used my school’ servers to mine dozens of bitcoins when it was worth nothing… and kept none 😬) but only this summer I decided to look at the details again. I’m now convinced that beyond the known currencies systems, we are entering a new technological wave, even more important than mobile in 2008. I’ll share some of my findings in the coming weeks, starting with a clear explanation of what a blockchain is.

I’m Olivier Courtois, product maker for 10y+, currently building my startup (uKu), sometimes product coach & Startup advisor. Former VP Product comet & Product Director ManoMano.

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