This article was based on the interview with Dan Gallagher of Slalom by Greg Kihlström for The Agile Brand with Greg Kihlström podcast. Listen to the original episode here:
The interview with Dan Gallagher highlights the importance of clarity in driving prioritization and outcomes toward business value. It emphasizes the need for teams to have a shared understanding of the desired outcomes and the granular details of those outcomes. By providing this clarity, teams are able to reassess their priorities and make more informed decisions.
Gallagher describes an exercise where individuals rate objects based on their contribution to each individual outcome. Interestingly, every time this exercise is conducted, the prioritization list is completely different. This demonstrates that the people and circumstances did not change, but rather the clarity around the outcomes did. By making the outcomes more granular and relatable, teams are able to see things from a different perspective and make more accurate prioritization decisions.
The concept of the product flywheel is also discussed in the podcast. The traditional approach of using a feature funnel to prioritize ideas is criticized. This approach relies on assumptions and tends to focus on outputs rather than outcomes. Instead, the concept of the flywheel is introduced, which is a cycle of continuous delivery, discovery, and validation. This flywheel is centered around the continuous flow of value and drives growth.
The podcast challenges the notion of being “customer-centric” and encourages organizations to focus on growth and the continuous flow of value instead. It suggests that being customer-centric is a means to an end, and that end is growth. By understanding the features and products that drive growth and value, organizations can prioritize their efforts more effectively.
In conclusion, clarity drives prioritization and outcomes in Agile approaches. By clearly defining the desired outcomes and continuously reassessing priorities, teams can ensure that they are building the right features and delivering meaningful value to customers. This shift in mindset and approach allows for adaptability and continuous improvement, ultimately driving the business forward.
