Product Management vs. Engineering: Who Should Drive Tech-First Decisions?

The age-old question in tech-driven companies: should the product management team be the primary decision-making entity, or should the development team be in charge? This debate is crucial for shaping the future of the company and achieving its objectives. In this article, we will explore the roles of both teams and discuss who should hold the reins in making key decisions.

The Role of Engineering in Decision-Making

While product management is typically associated with making the final call on product features and roadmap, it’s important to recognize the critical role that engineering plays in the decision-making process. Every line of code written by software engineers (SEs) is a decision, whether it's a minor tweak or a fundamental change in the application's architecture. Engineers are the backbone of a tech company, turning ideas into reality through practical implementation. However, this raises an important question: should engineers be the first to make decisions, or should product management take the lead?

Consider a scenario where a line of code is written to solve a specific problem. Should this decision go through the product management team for approval? In many cases, the answer is no. Engineers often have intimate knowledge of the technical challenges and constraints, making them well-equipped to make immediate decisions that benefit the product. Product management, on the other hand, focuses on the broader strategic vision and the company's goals.

The Responsibilities of Product Management

Product management's role is to ensure that the product aligns with the company's overall strategy and that features and updates are prioritized based on their impact and value. Idealistically, the process should work as follows:

Feature Requests: Customer support and sales teams, as well as visionaries within the company, should bring feature requests to the product management team. This ensures that the product roadmap is driven by user needs and business objectives.

Potential Innovations: Internal and external thought leaders, including engineers, should share potential innovations and forward-thinking ideas. Product management should evaluate these suggestions based on their feasibility and alignment with the company's goals.

Decisions: Product management should then decide which direction to take the product. This might involve prioritizing certain features, restructuring the product's functionality, or even pivoting the entire product strategy. The ultimate goal is to ensure that the product delivers value to the users and supports the company's growth objectives.

Striking a Balance Between Engineering and Product Management

For a tech-driven company to thrive, it's essential to strike a balance between the engineering and product management teams. Here are some guidelines to help achieve this balance:

Communication: Foster open lines of communication between the two teams. Regular meetings and workshops can help align goals and ensure that both teams are aligned on the product's direction.

Collaboration: Encourage collaboration rather than hierarchical decision-making. Engineers can often provide valuable insights that inform product decisions, while product managers can offer the strategic context necessary for prioritization.

Empowerment: Empower both teams to make decisions within their respective domains. Engineers can make immediate technical decisions, while product managers can focus on strategic and tactical planning.

Feedback Loops: Implement robust feedback mechanisms to ensure that decisions made by one team have the necessary input and support from the other.

Conclusion

The decision on whether the product management team or the engineering team should be the first to make decisions in a tech-driven company is nuanced and depends on various factors. However, a balanced approach that combines the technical expertise of engineers with the strategic vision of product managers is likely to yield the best results. By fostering collaboration and communication, both teams can work together to drive the tech-enabled company to new heights.

Note: This article provides a general perspective and does not cover every possible scenario or company culture. Each organization has its unique dynamics and may require a different approach.