Product owners are responsible for the success of a product, and for seeing down the road to build the right thing.

Product owners need to be empowered to drive decisions forward on a product, from being able to say no when a proposed feature doesn't fit the Product Vision, or to recognizing risks, to being able to prioritize short-term (reactive work) and long-term (pro-active) activities.

Success for PO requires passion for the product and clear, constant communication, and balancing the team's drives to get the right product built (PO), the product built right (Development) and built fast (SCRUM Master). Ultimately, truth and honesty are paramount to any successful Product Owner to move along the team, focus on the right work, and own to risks and technical debt.

This is essential knowledge for any Product Owner or team that works with one to understand the balancing factors at play in building a product.