When setting outcomes for the product team, ensure these outcomes are within the team’s control. Problems arise when teams are given outcomes that require coordination with other departments, like marketing or customer support, or when the outcomes are tied to broader business goals that depend on multiple teams. This can lead to frustration, as the product team may feel powerless to make meaningful progress. For example, if a product team is tasked with increasing overall company revenue, this can be demoralizing because revenue is influenced by many factors outside the team’s control.

Instead, the goal should focus on something the team can directly influence, like improving user adoption of a specific feature. If the outcome truly requires multiple teams to achieve, make sure all relevant teams are aligned and working together toward the shared goal.