The Role of the Product Team in ZeroBlockers

I think the term "Product Team" is often misused in the software industry. Often it is used interchangeably with the teams building the product. However, a product is typically too large for a single team to build, requiring multiple teams to focus on different value streams. The true role of the Product Team is not to build but to empower and align these Stream Teams, ensuring they work effectively toward a cohesive product vision.

But if the Product Team isn't building the product what are they actually doing? A lot actually. I really like the McKinsey 7S model for thinking about the different responsiblities of the team. The model describes seven interdependent factors: Strategy, Structure, Systems, Shared Values, Skills, Style, and Staff.

I go into more detail on these factors, and what the product manager does if they are not in Stream Teams, in this weeks article.

This Week’s Updates

Enabling the Team

The Role of the Product Team in ZeroBlockers by Rory Madden
By applying the McKinsey 7-S model, the Product Team establishes a strong foundation through structure, strategy, leadership, recruitment, skill-building, shared values, and systems.

Three Team Vibes by John Cutler
John describes three common team “vibes” and how they shape collaboration and outcomes: hopeful, skeptical, and cynical. Recognising and shifting these mindsets can help leaders create healthier, more productive environments.

Product Direction

Designers: We’ll All Be Design Engineers In A Year by Ted Goas
The boundary between design and engineering is shrinking as AI accelerates workflows. Designers who embrace technical literacy and collaborate more deeply with engineering will be better positioned in this evolving landscape.

Beyond Productivity: Gen-AI's Deeper Use Cases by Itamar Gilad
While Gen-AI is touted as a productivity tool, its true potential lies in transforming the way we work and driving positive outcomes.

Continuous Research

Leveraging Behavioral Data For Proactive UX Research by UX Bulletin
Behavioural data complements traditional UX methods by revealing what users actually do versus what they say. When combined with qualitative insights, it strengthens findings and supports more confident design decisions.

Understanding 8 Types Of User Survey Questions And When To Use Them by Syed Balkhi
Different survey question types (like open-ended, multiple choice, or Likert scales) serve different research goals. Choosing the right format improves data quality, reduces bias, and ensures the insights are actionable.

Continuous Design

Beyond The User Interface: Exploring Neuroadaptive Experiences For Neurodiverse And Marginalized Users by Jude Ejike
Neuroadaptive technologies can tailor digital experiences to the needs of neurodiverse and marginalised users by dynamically responding to cognitive and emotional states. This approach shifts accessibility from static compliance to truly personalised interaction design.

Design Leadership In The Age Of AI: Seize The Narrative Before It’s Too Late by Andy Budd
AI is rapidly redefining design, and if design leaders don’t claim a seat at the table, others will set the agenda. Leadership means shaping how AI is applied to user experience rather than reacting after the fact.

Continuous Development

The Lethal Trifecta For AI Agents by Simon Willison
Fragile dependencies, poor monitoring, and inadequate testing combine into a “lethal trifecta” that makes systems vulnerable. Addressing these weak points early is key to building reliable, maintainable software.

Black Box Reverse Engineering by Birgitta Böckeler
Thoughtworks explores how reverse engineering with AI can replicate legacy systems without direct access to their code. This approach raises possibilities for faster modernisation but also surfaces challenges around accuracy, trust, and maintainability.

Ohio, ready for an event?

Explore UX in the Age of AI – Columbus, 13 October

Join the Columbus product and UX community for an evening of insight, discussion, and connection as part of Global Product Community Week. Lacey Picazo, Founder & CEO of ZoCo Design, will open the session, followed by a panel on “From Disruption to Discipline: UX in the Age of AI.”

Hear from David Snodgrass, Molly McMahon Fuller, Ben Branham, and Jenna Kruse as they explore how AI is reshaping design practices, balancing traditional UX skills with AI fluency, and creating responsible, impactful experiences.

Whether you’re experimenting, resisting, or fully embedded in AI, this panel will provide actionable insights for your work. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot today: Book your free ticket here.

FREE COMMUNITY EVENTS 

Check out more upcoming community events 

Video of the Week
Thriving as a Long-Term IC:
Lessons in Influence, Growth, & Fulfillment

This week, we’re releasing a highly anticipated session at both UXDX USA & EMEA 2025 with Cliff Seal from Salesforce. If you’re a long-term individual contributor (IC), Cliff shares how to grow your influence, shape business strategy, and make a lasting impact without managing teams.

From navigating workplace dynamics to leveraging organizational knowledge, Cliff explores practical ways senior ICs can drive both personal and business success. He also dives into self-guided experiments, personal development, and side projects that help sustain career momentum over the long term. Watch the full session at UXDX USA 2025 below 👇

The Results of Last Week’s Poll

The question: What's been the biggest challenge in empowering your teams?

This week’s poll asked about the biggest challenge in empowering teams. A clear majority (43%) struggle with alignment, while 26% say giving real autonomy is the hardest part. Managing cross-team dependencies (18%) and ensuring accountability (4%) also pose challenges. One commenter summed it up perfectly: “All of the above. Mostly providing real autonomy and making sure people do what they need to do.”

Empowering teams is never just about process as it is about clarity, trust, and the freedom to make decisions. If you’re looking for practical ways to strengthen team alignment and autonomy, my “From a Team of Functions to a Cross-Functional Team” course in Dublin on the 15th of October offers frameworks and strategies to help teams collaborate more effectively and deliver better results.

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