From the Whiteboard to the Boardroom

For years, people have closely associated product owner responsibilities with managing product backlogs. The Scrum Guide defines the role as being accountable for maximizing product value resulting from the scrum team's efforts. Today, organizations are recognizing that product owners have the potential to be much more than team-level players. They are increasingly viewed as strategic leaders who align product development with business goals, influence decision-making, and help drive transformational change.

This evolution reflects the expanding expectations for product owners. In this blog, we'll explore what's behind this shift, the skills product owners need to thrive in this broader role, and how they can position themselves to influence and support business strategies.

The expanding role of product owners

Some people assume product owners focus only on tasks like backlog management and user story development. This scrum team accountability has always encompassed much more, and modern companies hiring for the role now demand multiple skill sets and competencies. Companies increasingly look to product owners to influence product direction and help drive outcomes that support long-term business success.

The "Product Owner Skills in the New World of Work" report reveals that organizations increasingly expect product owners to take on strategic and transformational responsibilities, such as engaging stakeholders and aligning product performance with business objectives.

Alongside these growing expectations, many product owners aspire to transition into roles like product management, agile coaching, or executive leadership, reflecting a natural progression as their responsibilities and skills evolve.

Organizations need leaders who can think beyond the product level and contribute to the bigger picture. As product owners evolve into strategic contributors, they should master new skills while continuing to deliver value at the team level.

Essential skills for product owners 

Whether you want to expand your influence within your current role or transition into a broader organizational role, developing a balance of functional and human skills is key. Organizations are seeking product owners who excel in the areas below.

• Communication skills: Ranked as the most sought-after skill after core product ownership capabilities, 62% of organizations prioritize strong communication skills. Clear and effective communication ensures teams and stakeholders understand one another and stay aligned.
• Technical skills: Skills such as data analytics and expertise in a specific domain, product, or technology are highly sought after. The report states that 47% of companies prioritize candidates with these abilities, yet they remain some of the hardest skills to find. Developing technical expertise in your field can set you apart in a competitive job market.
• Adaptability: Mindset behaviors, most notably curiosity and adaptability, were highlighted by 38% of organizations as critical to success. Mastering these areas will set you apart and position you to deliver greater value to your teams and stakeholders.
• Collaboration skills: Teamwork and collaboration remain key for 36% of companies. A successful product owner should work seamlessly with others, bringing diverse perspectives together to achieve common goals.

These skills reflect the evolving expectations of product owners as they take on more influential roles within organizations. 

Why moving from tactical to strategic is challenging

Many product owners face a steep learning curve when transitioning to roles with strategic influence. According to the report, 66% of organizations find it "very challenging" to recruit product owners with the right balance of skills, particularly strategic thinking skills. Business acumen, product leadership, and technical expertise are cited as the hardest-to-find skills, highlighting key areas where product owners can focus their development to meet organizational needs.

The role of continuous learning and certifications

Product owners will benefit from embracing continuous learning to keep up with the demands of the role. Certifications can help build and validate skills, but they become even more valuable when combined with practical experience. Organizations often find it challenging to recruit candidates who have both, making this combination especially valuable.

Continuous learning can help product owners apply knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop new capabilities, and demonstrate their ability to drive meaningful outcomes. By combining formal training with practical experience, product owners can position themselves as effective and adaptable contributors to their teams and organizations. 

Scrum Alliance's product owner track is a highly rated and employer-demanded path to growing your expertise in the product owner role. 

Positioning yourself for strategic leadership responsibilities

If you're looking to grow beyond tactical work and take on more strategic responsibilities, consider these steps:

1. Start by building relationships with stakeholders across the organization. Networking can give you insights into business priorities and help you align your product vision to meet those goals.
2. Seek leadership opportunities. Volunteer for projects that require cross-functional collaboration or involve strategic planning. The experience will demonstrate your readiness for a larger role.
3. Leverage certifications as proof of your commitment to continuous improvement and strategic thinking.
4. Stay informed about market trends, financial metrics, and your company's strategic direction. A firm grasp of business fundamentals will set you apart.

Your ability to align product development with business objectives, collaborate across teams, and ensure that product value resonates with stakeholders will improve your effectiveness as a product owner and demonstrate your growing influence.

Shaping the future of product owners

Product owner responsibilities have grown and evolved over the years, creating opportunities to make a meaningful impact on teams and organizations. Product owners can play an important role in driving success at every level by committing to ongoing learning, building important skills, and finding ways to influence broader business goals.

Are you ready to take the next step in your product owner journey? Download the full Product Owner Skills in the New World of Work to learn more about the trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the future of this business-critical role.