How to improve lead time

The text explores the importance of maintaining a substantial backlog in product management, advocating for a three-month lead time to ensure quality and efficiency in project development. The author emphasizes that having a well-prepared backlog allows product managers to work calmly and avoid compromising quality for the sake of meeting immediate deadlines. Various factors influencing lead time, such as complexity, resource efficiency, and stakeholder feedback, are discussed, illustrating the challenges faced in managing multiple projects concurrently. Although achieving a three-month lead time is acknowledged as difficult, the author argues that it helps prevent incomplete solutions from reaching production and supports the use of best product management practices. While there are exceptions where quick releases are necessary, such as the rapid integration of ChatGPT by Microsoft, the focus remains on delivering high-quality and market-fit products. Practical strategies to optimize lead time include performing regular refinements and workshops, emphasizing collaboration with supporting departments, and balancing immediate project demands with long-term planning.