Softball and Software
I've coached girls softball for years, taking one team to the national championships. It's interesting to look at the ways that coaching a softball team is similar (or not) to product management… - In softball, mastering the fundamental skills is the foundation for success. Without this, no amount of strategy or motivation will lead to success. One weak player can lead to many losses. - In product development, there are specific skills that are absolutely necessary, such as mastery of development tools, design capabilities, and architectural vision. One missing skill can sink a project. - A softball team must be motivated to succeed. Goals, both for both the team and individuals, can help a team continuously improve its performance. These goals can be about both competition (beating a team or winning a championship) and personal performance (improving batting or fielding results). - A development team can usually produce something even if they're minimally motivated,