The Role of Product Principles and Councils in Decision-Making
Cagan introduces the concept of product principles as a tool to guide decision-making and prioritize trade-offs. These principles are a public declaration of a team's beliefs and intentions, serving as a framework for evaluating alternatives. He explains, 'Product principles are not a list of features... they are most aligned with a product strategy for an entire product line.' Additionally, Cagan advocates for the establishment of a product council to streamline decision-making. This council, composed of key stakeholders, ensures timely and informed product decisions, aligning product strategy with business goals and providing oversight without micromanaging.