Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model by Marty Cagan

Transformed is the book I wish Marty et al. had written first. At the very least, the book I wish I’d read first. It’s definitely the book I think most executives and leaders should read first if they are wanting to switch to the product operating model.

Marty explains what it really means to make the shift away from the IT operating model, the challenges, the mistakes, the benefits. I predict that having read the book, many who thought they wanted the product operating model will realise they actually don’t, or will never get there.

For many organisations, the product operating model with outcome-focused, problem-solving, continuous-delivery, cross-functional teams is where they began as “plucky startup”. The IT operating model is where they are moving to in the name of “maturing” and “scaling” as a business, emphasising project-based, output-focused, requirements-driven, siloed teams, with formal change management.

If (like me) you’re already singing from the Marty Cagan song sheet, Transformed is probably more bias-confirming than eye-opening. If you’re product operating model curious, in a position of authority, and have a mandate to actually make the change, this is probably the book for you.