The best product rituals to position your team for success

"Outcomes over outputs" has long been a popular mantra in product management, but this approach can overlook the importance of the processes that lead to those outcomes. The article argues for the significance of product rituals—ongoing activities like daily standups, sprint planning, and cross-functional syncs—which help in building a strong foundational culture for a team. Drawing from Bill Walsh's book "The Score Takes Care of Itself," the text emphasizes that focusing on daily processes and rituals can lead to consistent progress and success, as opposed to solely aiming for end goals. The challenges of implementing product rituals include getting team buy-in and finding motivation, but by establishing clear ground rules and open communication, teams can create effective systems. Tools and strategies from successful companies like YouTube and GitLab are cited as examples of how to maintain alignment and improve workflows. Ultimately, the article suggests that while outputs are appealing, the inputs and systems are what truly determine the direction and success of a product.