AMA: GitLab Group Manager, Product, Derek Ferguson on Product Roadmap & Prioritization
November 29 @ 10:00AM PST
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GitLab Group Manager, Product, Derek Ferguson on Product Roadmap & Prioritization
Top Questions
Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
At GitLab, we say that everyone can contribute. This is true even when it comes to input into the roadmap. Our product managers know that the best ideas can come from very unexpected places. Anyone can meet with us and give us their opinion or write up an issue and ask us to look over it. As far ......Read More
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Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
Pivoting a product is typically a very difficult time for everyone involved. I feel for you! Depending on who has these expectations and the reasons why it is difficult to plan too far out (and what "too far out" means to you), there are several things that you can do. Some of them are pre-requis......Read More
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Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
Personally, I believe in having a very transparent roadmap. Not all companies are going to be able to communicate everything that is on their roadmap for legal and/or regulatory reasons, but, in my opinion, you should try to have as much of it public as possible. The main difference between an in......Read More
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Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
Since this question implies that there is already an existing product and customers that are using it, talk to your customers. Ask them what problems they have. Do research into the market you are in and see where the issues are with competitive products. Do what product managers do best! Underst......Read More
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What are the best practices for introducing roadmapping as a product management practice in a transforming organization that is new to product practices and mindset, and how can you ensure that different teams stay consistent with the formats or frameworks used, while still allowing for flexibility and innovation?
In context of an organization undergoing business transformation, managing exiting products and product portfolios with a product approach rather than project based approach.
Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
I think that the answer to this is: it depends. The specifics of how you go about introducing roadmapping, promote a product-based mindset, and establishing a consistent strategy for educating teams on product practices is going to depend on your organization, your industry, your leadership, and ......Read More
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Move Items on Roadmap: What are your suggestions for product leads when they need to efficiently explain that an item on the roadmap needs to move because some other item has become more important?
We are required to write long docs and spend hours on creating decks for leadership which is not the best use of time
Derek Ferguson
GitLab Group Manager, Product • November 29
Moving items in priority on the roadmap is going to happen. This is especially true if you are required to have a long-term roadmap. However, even with short-term roadmaps, it will happen. While I don't know the exact reasons why your company requires you to write long docs and create decks to ex......Read More
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