Big Backlogs

Topics Covered:

• The problem with traditional prioritization models like ICE and RICE
• Why “avoid prioritization at all costs” is more than just a catchy phrase
• Comparing and contrasting vs. spreadsheet-driven guesswork
• Tactical ways to clean up your backlog:
• Auto-closing old tickets
• Archiving items no one understands
• Using themes, initiatives, and user group tagging
• The "Inbox Zero" approach to product management
• How to use strategic filters (outcomes + customer needs) instead of prioritizing everything
• The importance of early wins when inheriting a new product or team
• Time-boxed onboarding for product folks who are new to a team
• Real-world stories & examples:
• Petra shares how automatic ticket pruning saved hundreds of items
• Teresa’s database “one-day project” that took a full week (and what it reveals about hidden work)
• How to carve out time for discovery—even in a feature factory

Resources & Links:

• Follow Teresa Torres: https://ProductTalk.org
• Follow Petra Wille: https://Petra-Wille.com

Mentioned in the episode:

• ICE, RICE, MICE, and VICE Scoring Models developed by Sean Ellis
• Jira
• My Organization Doesn't Work That Way - All Things Product with Teresa & Petra
• Opportunity Solution Trees: Visualize Your Discovery to Stay Aligned and Drive Outcomes
• Inbox Zero coined by Merlin Mann
• Ask the Community: What Do You Do When You Inherit a Giant Product Backlog?
• STRONG Product People: A Complete Guide to Developing Great Product Managers - Book by Petra Wille
• Illustration from Petra’s book about early wins and building trust during onboarding