Scrum Master Toolbox Podcast

Ville Reijonen: Overcoming the Part-Time Product Owner Trap The Bad Product Owner: The Part-Time PO Disaster Ville describes a scenario where a company assigned a part-time Product Owner (PO) to manage software development. The PO’s inconsistent availability led to poor communication and a lack of feedback loops. Ville explains how this anti-pattern can derail a project and shares tips, such as scheduling regular meetings to ensure that the PO remains actively involved in supporting the team. A strong PO presence is crucial for maintaining alignment and driving product success, and Ville discusses some possible mitigating actions we can take to make sure that even part-time PO’s are available for the team. Reflection Question: How can you support a Product Owner who struggles with availability to ensure your team gets the guidance they need? The Great Product Owner: The Master Communicator In contrast, Ville shares an example of an exceptional PO who excelled at communication and collaboration.