Quick wins vs major projects

Product teams need a balanced portfolio of quick wins and major projects. Quick wins build momentum, boost team morale, and deliver immediate value to users. Major projects transform your product and create competitive advantages. Understanding when to pursue each type is crucial for sustainable success.

Quick wins typically take days or weeks, not months. They might include fixing annoying bugs, improving error messages, or adding small features users frequently request. These projects let you show continuous progress and keep users happy while working on bigger initiatives. Agile teams often tackle quick wins first in their sprints, creating a foundation of success.

Major projects require different thinking. They need extensive planning, cross-functional alignment, and sustained effort over months. These might include building new product lines, redesigning core architecture, or entering new markets. While working on major projects, continue delivering quick wins to maintain momentum. Think of it like filling a jar: put the big rocks in first, then add pebbles and sand around them.^[1]