The myth of shared team ownership

Team ownership in product management is often touted as essential, but the article argues that it is largely a myth, as shared ownership often leads to a lack of accountability. The author suggests that assigning individual accountabilities is more effective, as it ensures that specific team members take responsibility for driving results and seeking help when needed. By designating roles such as sprint roles, feature owners, and problem owners, teams can distribute responsibilities while maintaining clear accountability, reducing burnout for product managers. This approach encourages team members to support one another and fosters a culture where individuals are rewarded for contributions outside their core domain work. Ultimately, while teams can collectively tackle initiatives, individual accountability is crucial to achieving successful outcomes.