I started working on digital product design about 6 years ago, learning as I went along, understanding the mechanics of the team from observation, and understanding how processes are articulated from trial and error.

I understood more about the role of a Product Manager, for example, through my own experience working with them and understanding what they do on a day-to-day basis. But the most interesting thing is that in this area the meaning of teamwork makes a lot of sense, without it everything falls apart.

Today, with some experience as a Product Designer and after having worked in startups and large companies within multidisciplinary teams, after having seen products fail and understanding why they failed, for example, or vice versa, understanding why a product was successful , I was able to discern between what is harmful and beneficial for the health of the team which directly impacts the results.

What things affect teams and their performance?

Inertia

I call inertia that state in which people are not capable of turning situations or modifying habits. They stay still in their zone or continue their march but never stopping for a moment to observe the situation from another side or question themselves. This disables people, for example, to ask questions or transform situations.

Silence

Being silent or keeping comments and questions speaks first of a lack of confidence in the team, insecurity or lack of interest from the person. The last case is the worst, but in the first two it is important for the team to weld the foundations of trust and freedom to express opinions. Speaking in time and asking questions can avoid many unwanted situations.

Assumptions

This comes hand in hand with the above, sometimes people assume things by not questioning them, by biases, by ego. In any case, making product decisions based on assumptions often leads to mistakes. This is avoidable since we have tools to work on solid foundations such as research or workshops.

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