Make a difference (4/4): the inspiration for innovation

You must protect the product team's direct access to users, customers, business stakeholders, and engineers.

In any attempt to place a well-meaning person or cumbersome process between the product team and the users, you must resist.

The product team discovers innovative solutions and makes wise decisions through direct and ongoing contact with these three constituencies.

Here is the most pertinent advice of all. To radically increase your odds of success, pick your battles.

If your product team cannot reach these three constituencies, you will most likely fail. Getting access to these 3 groups is worth fighting for. If your company does not understand why this is fundamental despite your attempts to explain it to them.

Nevertheless, you are still eager to practice product development in a strong company. You might consider companies where you have a better chance of success. Radical, but true.