EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products
by Marty Cagan
Overview
EMPOWERED is the sequel to INSPIRED. It addresses the question: "how do you successfully create a culture of innovation across your organization?" Cagan and Jones show you how to create an environment where teams can be empowered to solve hard problems in ways customers love.
Key Takeaways
- How to coach and develop product teams
- Creating a culture of innovation and empowerment
- Recruiting and onboarding product talent
- Scaling product organizations effectively
Who Should Read This Book?
Why Read EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products?
EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products is widely regarded as essential reading in the product strategy & visionspace for product managers. Marty Cagan's insights have helped thousands of product professionals improve their craft and deliver better products.
Whether you're an aspiring product manager looking to break into the field or an experienced PM seeking to deepen your expertise in product strategy & vision, this book provides practical frameworks and real-world examples that you can apply immediately.
With 1,243 reviews and an average rating of 4.7 out of 5, EMPOWERED: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products has proven its value to the product management community. Join the thousands of professionals who have benefited from this essential resource.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I read INSPIRED before EMPOWERED?
Yes, read INSPIRED first. EMPOWERED assumes you understand the product development concepts from INSPIRED and builds on them with leadership and organizational topics. INSPIRED teaches you the "what and how" of product work; EMPOWERED teaches the "who and why" of product organizations.
Is EMPOWERED only for product leaders?
While aimed at product leaders (Directors, VPs, CPOs), it's valuable for senior ICs and anyone aspiring to leadership roles. Understanding how strong product organizations work helps you contribute more effectively and prepare for future leadership opportunities.
What are the key differences between product teams and feature teams?
Feature teams are given features to build; product teams are given problems to solve. Product teams are empowered, autonomous, accountable for outcomes, and consist of product, design, and engineering working together. This distinction is central to EMPOWERED's philosophy.
How do you coach product managers effectively?
EMPOWERED emphasizes that coaching is the primary job of product leaders. It involves 1-on-1s, reviewing work, asking questions rather than giving answers, sharing context, and developing judgment. The book provides specific coaching techniques for discovery, delivery, and strategy.
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