Read the original at Lenny’s Newsletter ↗lennysnewsletter.com · subscriber post
By Lenny Rachitsky · lennysnewsletter.com · @lennysan on X · YouTube · LinkedIn
Lenny answers a reader's question about having separate design and engineering roadmaps, arguing that cross-functional teams should converge on one source-of-truth roadmap. He outlines the core benefits of a shared roadmap and notes that individual functions can keep internal task lists, then points to a template and further reading.
Subscriber post — summary only01Key takeaways
- Multiple roadmap docs for one cross-functional project undermine prioritization, alignment, and accountability.
- A roadmap works like a musical score, showing who owns what, when work starts and ends, and how parts fit together.
- Functions like research can keep internal sub-task lists, but the cross-functional roadmap should remain the single source of truth.
- A roadmap delivers five benefits: prioritization, alignment, transparency, accountability, and dependency visibility.
- Streamlining redundant tools and documents is worth pursuing even during high-growth periods.
“In an orchestra where the violins have one plan and the tubas has another, it does not end well.”Lenny Rachitsky · Lenny’s Newsletter
02Frameworks mentioned
Summary and takeaways written by PM Atlas; quotes are short excerpts. © the original author.