A healthy tension is required for exceptional innovation

In my previous post, I discussed the significance of strong collaboration among Product Managers, Product Designers, and Engineering Leads. These three positions are responsible for solving the right problem, ensuring that the solution is an appropriate fit for the problem, and delivering the build on time and to specification. By working together effectively, these teams can achieve high performance.  

However, to create exceptional products, it is crucial for there to be some healthy tension. This is because each member of the trio has a responsibility that often conflicts with the other two. For instance, the Product Designer should strive to push the boundaries of the best possible solution, which can challenge the technical capabilities of the engineering team. On the other hand, the Engineering Lead is in charge of delivering a solution that is timely and cost-effective, with as few unknowns as possible.

 This contrast in responsibilities can create tension, which is when real collaboration begins. The designer stretches the capabilities of the engineering team, while the engineering lead ensures the solution remains technically feasible and can be built within time and budget. Without this tension, two things can occur:  

1. The Designer gets their way, and the product delivery lasts much longer than expected at a significantly higher cost.

2. The Engineering Lead gets their way, and the solution is just another 'me too' product that lacks the innovation and creativity that differentiates it from the competition. 

The best-performing teams acknowledge the presence of this tension and appreciate its benefits. A great Engineering Lead encourages innovation and creativity, as long as it remains technically feasible. On the other hand, a great Product Designer understands the technical limitations of the team and stretches them within reason to get the most out of them. 

Therefore, if your product team lacks this healthy tension, examine whether one of the trio has an undue influence over the others. If so, then you may not be achieving the right balance between creativity and efficiency. However, if the tension exists but isn't healthy, explain to the team that tension is a good thing, but only if it handled correctly, and brilliant products will follow.