Client: I only want you to work on one requirement - This is high priority.

After few days.........

Client: We have new requirement - this is kind of urgent, is there possibility team can work on both requirements?

As a Product Owner, You might have come across such situations. How do you make sure that Clients' expectations are met. Working on multiple requirements definitely need impactful techniques.

Here are some techniques and best practices to help you handle multiple requirements effectively:

• Outcome-Oriented Prioritization:

Instead of focusing solely on individual features, prioritize requirements based on the desired outcomes and impact on the business. This approach ensures that the team is working towards achieving specific goals, and it can lead to more strategic decision-making.

Stakeholders can help to prioritize the requirement. Make sure you also assign ownership of the requirements. It makes managing it all easier.

• Cost of Delay (CoD):

Apply Cost of Delay analysis to prioritize requirements. CoD calculates the cost associated with delaying the implementation of a feature, helping you focus on the most time-sensitive and valuable requirements.

This technique really helps when you are building features or product which is very crucial for the business.

• Buy a Feature Game:

Organize a "Buy a Feature" workshop with stakeholders where they use a limited budget to "buy" the features they believe should be developed next. This interactive approach can provide unique insights into prioritization.

This can be interesting if stakeholders are up for it.

• Goldilocks Method:

Categorize requirements as "Too Big," "Too Small," or "Just Right." "Too Big" requirements may need to be broken down, "Too Small" ones can be grouped, and "Just Right" requirements can be prioritized for immediate development.

There is one similar technique - T-shirt sizing - Large, Medium, Small. This technique helps to understand the scope on high level.

• Backlog Management:

Maintain a well-organized product backlog with all the user stories and requirements. Prioritize the backlog based on business value, customer impact, and dependencies.

• Epic Breakdown:

Break down large epics into smaller, manageable user stories that can be worked on in parallel.

• Feature Gating:

Implement a feature gating strategy where requirements are developed but not released until specific conditions (e.g., user engagement, feedback, or metrics) are met. This allows for parallel development while controlling the release process.

Let me know which technique you found interesting.