The Ultimate Product Owner Reading List

The product owner role is multifaceted, demanding a broad and deep set of skills. To stay effective, continuous learning is key. This reading list is designed to support that journey. It’s not a static compilation, but rather a living document that I’ll routinely update with valuable resources for product owners. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your expertise, this list offers a curated selection to help you hone your craft. Dive in and keep your skills sharp.

Scrum: The Art of Doing Twice the Work in Half the Time

by Jeff Sutherland, J.J. Sutherland

Why it matters? Establishes the agile mindset and core Scrum practices that underlie effective product work.

Personal Note: This is a foundational book for working in scrum and explains agile methodology. Any book that teaches you the developement process your company applies is fine here. I like this one.

Inspired: How to Create Tech Products Customers Love

by Marty Cagan

Why it matters? Delivers a clear definition of the Product Owner role and the capabilities that empower product teams.

Personal Note: If there’s one book you read from this list, make it Marty Cagan’s Inspired. My experience has shown that many Product Owner positions deviate from this ideal, often functioning more as delivery teams due to a lack of product empowerment. Don’t be discouraged if your current role differs; view Inspired as your roadmap to achieving a more empowered and effective product practice.

The Mom Test: How to talk to customers & learn if your business is a good idea when everyone is lying to you

by Rob Fitzpatrick

Why it matters? Practical methods for getting honest customer feedback without leading questions.

Personal Note: Getting honest feedback from customers is crucial for product success, but it’s surprisingly difficult. The Mom Test provides practical, actionable strategies for asking the right questions and uncovering real customer needs, even when people are being polite. It’s an essential read for anyone building a product.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

by Dale Carnegie

Why it matters? Foundational relationship-building and communication principles.

Personal Note: A timeless classic, this book offers fundamental principles for building strong relationships and effective communication. For product owners, mastering these interpersonal skills is key to collaborating with stakeholders, guiding development teams, and advocating for your product vision.

Radical Candor: Be a Kick-Ass Boss Without Losing Your Humanity

by Kim Scott

Why it matters: A framework for direct yet empathetic feedback.

Personal Note: Kim Scott’s Radical Candor offers a framework for giving and receiving feedback that is both direct and empathetic. It highlights that this approach fosters a culture of trust and continuous improvement, which is vital for high-performing product teams. It teaches you how to challenge directly while caring personally, a balance crucial for effective leadership.

Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition

by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, Al Switzler

Why it matters? Techniques for navigating high-stakes discussions with stakeholder.

Personal Note: Product ownership often involves navigating complex discussions with diverse stakeholders. This book equips you with the tools to handle high-stakes conversations effectively, ensuring that important decisions are made constructively and that all voices are heard.

HBR Guide to Better Business Writing (HBR Guide Series)

by Bryan A. Garner

Why it matters? Clear, concise written communication is essential for product updates, requirements, and roadmaps.

Personal Note: Clear and concise communication is non-negotiable for product owners. This guide from Harvard Business Review provides practical advice on crafting effective business writing, ensuring your product strategies, requirements, and updates are understood and acted upon.

Empowered: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Products (Silicon Valley Product Group)

by Marty Cagan, Chris Jones

Why it matters? Builds on Inspired to show how to create truly empowered product teams from a leadership perspective.

Personal Note: Building on the principles from Inspired, Empowered dives deeper into how to create truly empowered product teams. It’s a must-read for understanding how to foster an environment where product professionals can do their best work and deliver exceptional products. This book is especially relevant if you are a product leader or want to become one.

The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership: Follow Them and People Will Follow You (10th Anniversary Edition)

by John C. Maxwell, Steven R. Covey

Why it matters? Leadership principles that to influence and guide teams and stakeholder.

Personal Note: While not strictly a product book, understanding leadership principles is essential for any product owner looking to influence and guide their team and stakeholders. Maxwell’s laws provide a clear and practical framework for effective leadership.

Transformed: Moving to the Product Operating Model (Silicon Valley Product Group)

by Marty Cagan, Lea Hickman, Chris Jones, Christian Idiodi, John Moore

Why it matters? Explores the product operating model and organizational changes that support product-led work.

Personal Note: This book explores the shift towards a “product operating model,” a crucial concept for organizations aiming to prioritize product development and innovation. It offers valuable insights for product owners looking to champion this kind of organizational change.

Make Time: How to Focus on What Matters Every Day

by Jake Knapp, John Zeratsky

Why it matters? Time management and focus strategies tailored to busy product roles.

Personal Note: In the fast-paced world of product management, time is a finite resource. Make Time offers practical, research-backed strategies to help you focus on what truly matters and become more productive without sacrificing your well-being. It’s a great resource for managing the demands of the product owner role.