As product people, we often find ourselves trying to handle difficult stakeholders. I once had a colleague, a brilliant software architect, who objected (loudly) to any new idea. She disrupted several planning sessions, so I finally invited her to lunch. I said open debate between the two of us was confusing to the team, and we should meet one-on-one before team meetings.
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That worked wonders. She had time in those sessions to process the new idea, raise objections privately, and feel heard. This made new ideas seem less threatening. We then brought them to the team - together.
How do you handle difficult people? See horror stories in Chapter 7, Challenges, in Aligned: Stakeholder Management for Product Leaders.
Product Culture Coach Phil Hornby talked sucky roadmaps in Porto, Portugal a few weeks ago. See more photos from recent events on LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. Coming up...
Thursday: Founder Mode
I will lead a CPO online discussion on Founder Mode: Poison Pill or Silver Bullet? Thursday @ 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm GMT / 6pm CET. Learn why founders use the term, when it’s useful and when it’s not. Plus how to use it to your advantage. Register.
Friday: Product Camp Atlanta
I’ll be speaking Stakeholders Management Pro Tips at the Product Camp Atlanta. November 8. Join in!