High Fives or High Fliers?

Product is a constant tug-of-war. On one side, stakeholders demand quick wins: features that deliver immediate value and keep the momentum going. On the other, innovation beckons with big bets: ambitious projects that could revolutionize the product but carry higher risk.

As product managers, we walk a tightrope between these two forces. Here's how to find balance:

The Power of the Small Win:

Keeps users engaged: Small improvements, like a redesigned onboarding flow, can significantly improve user experience and keep them coming back for more.
Provides low-risk validation: Quick wins are a great way to test assumptions and gather real-world data before diving into complex features.
Builds momentum: Small wins act as stepping stones, demonstrating progress and keeping the team motivated.

The Allure of the Big Bet:

Disruption potential: Big bets can fundamentally change the landscape, attracting new users and propelling your product ahead of the competition.
Long-term vision: These audacious projects keep your product aligned with future trends and can lead to significant market share gains.
Attracts top talent: Who doesn't want to work on something truly groundbreaking? Big bets can attract the best and brightest to your team.

The key isn't to choose one over the other, but to create a balanced approach. Quick wins shouldn't be just bug fixes or minor tweaks. Aim for impactful improvements that address user needs. Big bets shouldn't be disconnected from user needs. Base them on genuine problems you're trying to solve.

Doing this, you can keep your product relevant today while setting the stage for a disruptive future. Embrace the quick wins to keep the lights on, but never lose sight of the big bets that might just change the game.

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