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Beyond Features — Chapter VI
Releasing and firefighting
Originally published in GoRetro
Last Chapter, Björn, and Ivar worked closely with Lagertha to define the metrics they would follow. They learned the difference between output and input metrics and gained clarity on how to measure the results of their work. Now, they both have to lead teams Kattegat and Jorvik to create value and hopefully save Odin Enterprises from a tragic fate.
Orienting on outcomes instead of outputs is something Björn always fought for, but he feels frightened. The responsibility he carries is heavier than he’s used to; creating outputs is easier than outcomes. Ivar, on the other hand, feels confident and believes they will deliver on the expectations.
Removing Distractions
One thing still bugged Björn, they agreed on goals and metrics, but the Product Backlog remained a list of everything. He got together with Ivar to decide how they would clean up the backlog.
Björn pushed for a radical approach and wanted to delete everything unrelated to their product goal. Ivar was skeptical and wanted to archive items and invite business stakeholders to raise a hand in case something was still relevant. That’s when Björn outburst.
