In this BONUS episode, we explore the art of backlog management with product management expert Kent McDonald. As someone with decades of experience in software product development, Kent shares practical strategies for keeping backlogs lean, meaningful, and focused on outcomes that truly matter. Learn how to escape the trap of bloated backlogs and implement a Now-Next-Later-Never approach that will transform your product management practice.
The Problem with Bloated Backlogs
“Some teams use backlogs as ‘long term storage’ devices.”
Product backlogs often become unwieldy and difficult to manage because teams view them as a permanent repository for every idea that comes along. Kent explains that this “storage mentality” is one of the primary reasons backlogs grow out of control. Another common mistake is diving in too early and splitting items before they’re actually ready to be worked on, which multiplies the backlog size unnecessarily. These practices lead to confusion, lost focus, and ultimately decrease a team’s ability to deliver value efficiently.
The Now-Next-Later-Never Roadmap Framework
“You want to group things together on roughly categories of when you will attack it.” Continue reading BONUS: Keeping Backlogs Lean With The Now-Next-Later-Never Roadmap Framework with Kent McDonald
