This context includes understanding the overall strategy of the business, the goals and objectives of the product team, and the specific challenges and opportunities they are facing. Without this strategic context, teams may struggle to make informed decisions and may not prioritize their efforts effectively.

This context includes understanding the overall strategy of the business, the goals and objectives of the product team, and the specific challenges and opportunities they are facing. Without this strategic context, teams may struggle to make informed decisions and may not prioritize their efforts effectively.

One approach to providing this strategic context is through coaching. Coaching can help product teams gain a deeper understanding of the strategic goals and objectives of the business. This can be done through regular check-ins, where the coach and the team discuss the overall strategy and how the team's work fits into that strategy. This can help the team understand the bigger picture and make more informed decisions about their work.

Coaching can also help teams set better goals. Setting effective goals is a critical part of product strategy, as it provides a clear direction for the team and helps them prioritize their efforts. However, goal-setting can be complex and challenging. It requires teams to understand the overall strategy, make thoughtful decisions about what objectives to pursue, and create a pragmatic plan for achieving those objectives.

To set better goals, teams can use a framework like NCTs (Narratives, Commitments, Tasks). Narratives are qualitative descriptions of what the team wants to achieve and why it is important to the business. They help ensure that goals are connected to the overall strategy and provide a long-term picture of what matters most. Commitments are measurable goals that the team commits to achieving within a specific timeframe. They provide clarity about what the team needs to accomplish to make progress against the strategy. Tasks outline the specific work that needs to be done to complete the commitments and achieve the narrative. They help create a coherent and actionable plan.

By using NCTs and other goal-setting frameworks, teams can set better goals that are aligned with the overall strategy and provide a clear direction for their work. This can help teams avoid the trap of wishful thinking and ensure that their efforts are focused on the right things.

In addition to setting better goals, coaching can also help teams stay focused and accountable. The coach can provide ongoing support and guidance to help the team stay on track and overcome any challenges or obstacles they may face. They can also help the team track their progress and make adjustments as needed. This adaptability is crucial in a fast-paced and ever-changing business environment.

To make the most of coaching and set better goals, there are three actionable pieces of advice to consider:

1. Foster collaboration: Instead of each function owning their own goals, encourage cross-functional teams to collectively set goals and co-own the outcomes. This promotes collaboration and ensures that success requires teamwork.

2. Embrace OKRs: OKRs (Objectives and Key Results) can be a fantastic tool for goal-setting. However, they may not be sufficient for cross-functional product teams. Consider using frameworks like NCTs to complement OKRs and provide a more holistic approach to goal-setting.

3. Create the right environment: Foster an environment that encourages teams to set attainable and sustainable goals. Provide support and guidance without a fear of punitive consequences for not achieving goals. This will allow teams to evaluate their progress objectively and make adjustments as needed.

In conclusion, setting better product goals is crucial for successful product strategy. It requires teams to have a clear understanding of the overall strategy, make thoughtful decisions about objectives, and create a pragmatic plan for achieving those objectives. Coaching can help teams gain the necessary strategic context, set better goals using frameworks like NCTs, and stay focused and accountable. By following actionable advice like fostering collaboration, embracing OKRs, and creating the right environment, teams can improve their goal-setting process and increase their chances of success.