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Core PM ConceptsD

Dependency

Definition

A relationship in which one piece of work, team, or system relies on another to proceed. Dependencies can be technical (service A depends on service B's API), organizational (team X must finish before team Y can start), or external (awaiting a vendor integration). PMs actively identify and manage dependencies to prevent blockers, missed deadlines, and misaligned expectations across teams.

Why It Matters for Product Managers

Understanding dependency helps product managers make better decisions about what to build, how to measure success, and where to focus limited resources. Teams that master this concept ship more effectively and maintain stronger alignment between business goals and user needs.

How It Works in Practice

Product teams put this concept into action by integrating it into their regular workflow:

  • Adopt — Agree as a team on how and when to apply this practice, making it an explicit part of the team's working agreement.
  • Execute — Follow through consistently, treating the practice as a non-negotiable part of how the team operates.
  • Inspect — Regularly evaluate whether the practice is delivering the expected benefits and surface any friction.
  • Adapt — Adjust the approach based on what the team learns, keeping what works and discarding what does not.

    • The value of dependency compounds over time. Teams that commit to it consistently see improvements in velocity, quality, and cross-functional alignment.

    Common Pitfalls

  • Treating this as a checkbox activity rather than embedding it into daily team habits.
  • Applying the concept rigidly without adapting it to the team's context and maturity level.
  • Failing to communicate the purpose behind the practice, which leads to team resistance.

    • Related Concepts

    To build a more complete picture, explore these related concepts: Release Train, Sprint Planning, and Roadmap. Each connects to this term and together they form a toolkit that product managers draw on daily.

    Related Terms

    Release TrainSprint PlanningSAFe (Scaled Agile Framework)Roadmap

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is dependency in product management?+
    A relationship in which one piece of work, team, or system relies on another to proceed. Product managers use this concept to make more informed decisions and deliver better outcomes for users and the business.
    Why is dependency important for product teams?+
    Dependency is important because it provides structure and alignment that enable teams to ship faster, reduce waste, and maintain quality. Teams that adopt this practice consistently see improvements in collaboration, predictability, and user satisfaction.
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