Top Courses to Learn Jobs to be Done (JTBD) for Product Leaders
In the product management realm, understanding customer needs is paramount. One framework that has gained significant traction among product managers, marketers, and leaders is Jobs to be Done (JTBD). JTBD helps teams comprehend the real reasons behind why customers hire products or services, driving innovation and customer satisfaction to new heights.
At ProductMasters.io, we are dedicated to fostering a vibrant community of product professionals across Europe. To empower our members and the broader product community, this article explores the top courses to learn Jobs to be Done, equipping you with practical skills to apply JTBD in your product strategy.
What is Jobs to be Done (JTBD)?
JTBD is a powerful framework that shifts the focus from product features to the core tasks customers are trying to accomplish. Instead of asking, “What features do customers want?” JTBD asks, “What job is the customer hiring this product to do?” This customer-centric perspective drives innovation and ensures products deliver real value.
By mastering JTBD, product managers can make data-driven decisions, identify unmet needs, and reduce the risk of product failure. Whether you’re a product manager, marketer, or leader, understanding JTBD is crucial for building products that resonate deeply with your target audience.
Why Learn Jobs to be Done?
- Customer-Centric Innovation: JTBD helps you discover true customer needs beyond superficial wants.
- Improved Product Strategy: Align your roadmap with the jobs customers need to get done.
- Enhanced Market Differentiation: Create solutions that stand out by addressing real problems.
- Better Communication: Speak the language of your customers and stakeholders effectively.
Top Online Courses to Learn Jobs to be Done
Below are some of the best courses available online that offer comprehensive training on JTBD, perfect for product managers and leaders looking to deepen their expertise.
1. Strategyn’s Jobs to be Done Online Training
Created by Tony Ulwick, the pioneer of JTBD theory, Strategyn’s course provides in-depth knowledge of the Outcome-Driven Innovation (ODI) process. This course is ideal for product leaders aiming to apply JTBD systematically.
- Duration: 4-6 hours
- Format: Video lectures and case studies
- Highlights: Learn the process of discovering customer outcomes and prioritizing innovation opportunities.
2. JTBD Toolkit by Alan Klement
Alan Klement is a leading JTBD practitioner whose course focuses on practical application. The JTBD Toolkit offers templates, frameworks, and actionable insights to embed JTBD in your product development.
- Duration: Self-paced
- Format: Interactive tools and video lessons
- Highlights: Emphasis on customer interviews and understanding functional and emotional jobs.
3. Re-Wired Group’s JTBD Training
Re-Wired Group offers a comprehensive JTBD course tailored for product professionals. It covers JTBD theory, customer research methods, and how to translate insights into product decisions.
- Duration: 6 weeks (part-time)
- Format: Live sessions and assignments
- Highlights: Hands-on learning with real-world projects and community support.
4. Coursera – Innovation Through Jobs to be Done
This course on Coursera covers innovation strategies through the JTBD lens. It is suitable for product managers who want to integrate JTBD into agile and lean methodologies.
- Duration: Approximately 15 hours
- Format: Video lectures, quizzes, and peer discussions
- Highlights: Learn to identify jobs, define job maps, and apply JTBD to product innovation.
5. Product Talk Workshops by Teresa Torres
Teresa Torres, a renowned product discovery coach, incorporates JTBD concepts into her workshops. Her approach blends JTBD with continuous product discovery practices, helping teams build better products iteratively.
- Duration: Varies per workshop
- Format: Live online workshops
- Highlights: Emphasizes integrating JTBD with customer interviews and hypothesis testing.
How to Choose the Right JTBD Course for You
When selecting a JTBD course, consider the following factors:
- Your Role and Goals: Are you a product manager, marketer, or leader? Choose a course aligned with your responsibilities.
- Learning Style: Do you prefer self-paced learning, live workshops, or a mix?
- Depth of Content: Some courses dive deep into theory, others focus on practical tools.
- Community Access: Courses with active communities can provide ongoing support.
Applying JTBD in Your Product Management Practice
Once you complete your chosen course, it’s essential to apply JTBD principles actively:
- Conduct Customer Interviews: Use JTBD frameworks to uncover the jobs your customers want done.
- Create Job Maps: Visualize the steps customers take to complete their jobs.
- Prioritize Outcomes: Focus your product roadmap on high-impact jobs and outcomes.
- Measure Success: Track how well your product helps customers complete their jobs.
At ProductMasters.io, we encourage our members to share experiences and insights around JTBD. Join our community to discuss learnings, challenges, and successes with fellow product leaders across Europe.
Conclusion
Jobs to be Done is a transformative framework that can elevate your product management capabilities. By choosing the right course and immersing yourself in JTBD principles, you’ll be equipped to build products that truly meet customer needs and drive business success. 🚀
Explore the courses listed above, join the ProductMasters.io community, and take your product leadership to the next level with JTBD!