“Simplicity--the art of maximizing the amount 
of work not done--is essential.”

~From the 12 Principles of Agile Software https://agilemanifesto.org/principles.html

It is one of the most basic responsibilities of the Product Owner and one almost every PO struggles with... saying "No" to people who ask for things. A Product Owner who can't say No is going to end up with a Product Backlog jammed full of things that can't be done. This puts the entire organization at risk. At the same time, a PO who is constantly telling Senior Management "No" to all their requests may find themselves "being offered the opportunity to enjoy working at another company."

So, how do you go say "No" from a position of strength and safety? How do you know that saying "No" is really the right response? What kind of challenges do you need to be ready for? How can you prepare for those uncomfortable moments when you are waiting to see if you will be thanked for your honesty and candor, or told to leave your ID badge with HR on your way out?

In this episode of the Reluctant Agilist, Tim Wise joins me to talk through various aspects of the challenge of saying "No."

Links from the Podcast

Agile Day Atlanta http://agiledayatlanta.com

Books Mentioned

Turn the Ship Around - L. David Marquet https://amzn.to/2QXOGWD

Leadership is Language - L. David Marquet https://amzn.to/2w2mRFj

Speed of Trust - Stephen Covey Jr. https://amzn.to/3439xgy

7 Habits of Highly Effective People - Stephen Covey https://amzn.to/3bCsDMX

Contacting Tim

Twitter https://twitter.com/timswise

LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/timwise/

Email: [email protected]