In product management, decisions often extend beyond immediate concerns, influencing various stakeholders. Systems thinking is a holistic approach to understanding these interconnected elements that can guide us in making strategic choices, and it is about realising that optimising “The Whole” is not necessarily done through optimisation of the individual parts.
Systems thinking is an approach that focuses on understanding how parts of a system interact and influence each other within the whole. In product management, this means considering how decisions impact not just immediate stakeholders, but the entire ecosystem in which a product exists.
The Button Color Dilemma: A Real-Life Example
As a product manager, I faced a situation where a small, seemingly insignificant company requested that a button on our platform be changed to a “screaming yellow” color, just for them. This request went against all design and UX principles, and naturally, our design and development teams were strongly opposed. They argued that this change would break our design consistency and reflect poorly on the platform.
However, I recognized the broader implications. The company making the request was part of a larger autonomous network managed by an umbrella organization, where our key point of contact (POC) was a strong advocate for our platform and constantly pushing our platform to the smaller companies in the network. By quickly accommodating this minor request, I ensured the continued support of our POC, which was crucial for maintaining and expanding our platform’s reach across many other companies in the network.
Lessons in Systems Thinking
Using systems thinking, I was able to explain the situation to our design and development teams:
- Interconnectedness: I highlighted that this decision wasn’t just about the aesthetics of one button—it was about preserving a vital relationship with our POC, which in turn supported the entire network of smaller companies.
- Feedback Loops: By satisfying the request, we reinforced a positive feedback loop with our POC, ensuring ongoing promotion of our platform to a broader audience. This loop had the potential to drive significant long-term gains.
- Leverage Points: The POC was identified as a key leverage point. A small concession on the button color, in this context, would yield significant strategic advantages.
- Time Efficiency and Pride: I also pointed out the time element—engaging in a back-and-forth discussion with the smaller company over the button color would consume valuable time without yielding substantial gains. The only gain from a lengthy debate would have been the satisfaction of our own pride, as no one but the smaller company and the POC would have noticed the change. By swiftly addressing the request, we avoided unnecessary delays and kept our growth strategy on track.
- Nonlinearity: I emphasized that while the design compromise might seem disproportionate, the nonlinear nature of our system meant this small change could yield significant positive outcomes for our broader goals.
Applying Systems Thinking in Your Work
To start incorporating systems thinking into your product management approach:
- Map out your product’s ecosystem, including all stakeholders and their interconnections.
- Identify key leverage points where small changes could lead to significant impacts.
- Consider both short-term and long-term consequences of your decisions.
- Look for feedback loops and try to reinforce positive ones while mitigating negative ones.
Embracing Systems Thinking at ProductBooster.dk
At ProductBooster.dk, we embrace systems thinking to navigate complex challenges in product management. By understanding the interconnected nature of the systems we operate in, we make decisions that balance immediate needs with long-term outcomes, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
If you’re looking to enhance your product strategy with a systems thinking approach, ProductBooster.dk is here to help. Let’s work together to turn complex challenges into opportunities for lasting success.
Ready to elevate your product management game? Book a free 30-minute consultation with us to discuss how systems thinking can transform your approach to product management. Visit my calendar to schedule your session.
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