a·gen·tic a·gil·i·ty

Is a Product Owner an Agile Project Manager?

Explains the key differences between a Product Owner and an Agile Project Manager, highlighting their distinct roles, objectives, and focus within Agile teams.

Published on
2 minute read
Image
https://nkdagility.com/resources/HcoTwjPnLC0

Defining Roles in Agile

So, from the get-go, I think it’s important to set the record straight on this question ‘is a Product Owner an Agile Project Manager? 🎯

Although plain and simple, my initial response is a resounding ’no’!

But allow me to elaborate. 🧐

It’s All About Perspective

The difference between a Product Owner and an Agile Project Manager is a matter of perspective.

Let’s get one thing straight. An Agile Project Manager strives for a successful ‘project’, whereas a Product Owner works towards having a successful ‘product’.  🧩

So, these two roles have distinctly different focuses, and that’s key.

Different roles, different objectives, it’s as simple as that.

‘Project’ vs ‘Product’ Challenge

Consider this: a ‘project’ within a product might falter, yet the overall ‘product’ can still thrive.

On the flip side, a ‘project’ might triumph while the value delivered to the customer falls flat.

Laser Focus of a Product Owner

A Product Owner possesses that laser-sharp focus on maximising the value of the work done by the development team. That may or may not align perfectly with the goals of specific projects. 🎯

The bottom line is clear - a Product Owner and an Agile Project Manager, while both integral to the Agile process, are not in the same roles.

They have their unique responsibilities and clearly different areas of focus.  🚀

If you want to explore Agile, Scrum , or even becoming a Scrum Master or Product Owner, check out my Agile and Scrum courses.  📚

You might just find what you’re looking for. 👍

Is a product owner an agile project manager? No. I mean, the agile project manager is interested in a successful project. A product owner is looking to have a successful product. Right? So, a project within a product might be unsuccessful, and we still have the overall success of a product. And a project may be successful, and we still unsuccessfully deliver value to our customer.

So, a product owner has that laser focus on maximizing the value of the work done by the team, which may or may not fulfill projects.

Subscribe

Connect with Martin Hinshelwood

If you've made it this far, it's worth connecting with our principal consultant and coach, Martin Hinshelwood, for a 30-minute 'ask me anything' call.

Our Happy Clients​

We partner with businesses across diverse industries, including finance, insurance, healthcare, pharmaceuticals, technology, engineering, transportation, hospitality, entertainment, legal, government, and military sectors.​

New Signature Logo

New Signature

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company) Logo

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Workday Logo

Workday

Milliman Logo

Milliman

Philips Logo

Philips

Graham & Brown Logo

Graham & Brown

Healthgrades Logo

Healthgrades

ProgramUtvikling Logo

ProgramUtvikling

Alignment Healthcare Logo

Alignment Healthcare

SuperControl Logo

SuperControl

CR2

MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd. Logo

MacDonald Humfrey (Automation) Ltd.

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG) Logo

Cognizant Microsoft Business Group (MBG)

Slicedbread Logo

Slicedbread

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd Logo

Capita Secure Information Solutions Ltd

Higher Education Statistics Agency Logo

Higher Education Statistics Agency

Deliotte Logo

Deliotte

Ericson Logo

Ericson

Washington Department of Enterprise Services Logo

Washington Department of Enterprise Services

Royal Air Force Logo

Royal Air Force

Ghana Police Service Logo

Ghana Police Service

Washington Department of Transport Logo

Washington Department of Transport

New Hampshire Supreme Court Logo

New Hampshire Supreme Court

Nottingham County Council Logo

Nottingham County Council

Ericson Logo

Ericson

Schlumberger Logo

Schlumberger

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company) Logo

Flowmaster (a Mentor Graphics Company)

Higher Education Statistics Agency Logo

Higher Education Statistics Agency

Milliman Logo

Milliman

Brandes Investment Partners L.P. Logo

Brandes Investment Partners L.P.