In our earlier article, we introduced some key fundamental notions associated to prioritization in product improvement. Subsequent, we’ll give attention to particular frameworks which can be usually used to spice up the method of prioritization. At this time let’s speak concerning the Eisenhower matrix.
A backlog is an inventory of duties {that a} product crew completes throughout a time interval. This record is linear, and its most pressing duties are situated on the high of it. The Eisenhower matrix defines the order of duties. It gives a classification primarily based on such parameters as urgency and significance. In keeping with this framework, duties could be:
- Pressing, vital
- Not pressing, vital,
- Pressing, not vital
- Not pressing, not vital
This scheme presents an apparent downside: you probably have something pressing + not vital, you’ll prioritize it over not pressing + vital. You’re going to commit your sources to vital stuff solely when it turns into pressing.
If in case you have an pressing + vital job, it turns into your №1 precedence. No matter is pressing + not vital is out of the system.
Balancing between pressing and vital duties is the best downside of any prioritization course of. Pressing duties have a deadline and managers push them ahead within the backlog. Necessary duties are essential for the enterprise, as they transfer it in the direction of reaching its targets — however they aren’t time-limited.
Lean manufacturing philosophy states: when your startup continues to be small and you’ve got nearly nothing to threat, you may skip most of your pressing duties. In the event you give attention to the vital ones, you’ll get nearer to your targets. Simply embrace the potential of dangers and give attention to rising.
Prioritizing is all about discovering the fitting stability between vital and pressing duties.
Nonetheless, when your organization grows, you may have extra workers, processes, shoppers, and companions. In different phrases, you’ll have extra dangers, obligations, and duties that can take away your sources from the vital duties. It’s a lot tougher to decide on priorities if there’s lots at stake.
The largest query is how will we deal with vital duties with out suspending them? The secret’s to delegate pressing + not vital duties to others. Take it as a floor rule: a product crew’s capability is at all times restricted by its leaders’ focus of consideration.
On this state of affairs, you must outsource all duties that aren’t essential to the enterprise aim. Arrange your workflow in a manner that permits leaders to pay much less consideration to unimportant duties.
