Build a roadmap

Once you've interviewed all relevant stakeholders and have an understanding of their needs, you should have the information needed to start building a roadmap.

Before you start prioritizing and building, make sure you're aware of existing priorities and logistical hurdles:

• Was there a specific milestone for which you were hired?
• Who decides resource allocation? In other words, who decides if you will get additional compute or staff?
• Which decisions can you make on your own? Are there decisions that need the approval from someone else? How long do those decisions typically take?

It's helpful to prioritize in a public way with feedback from stakeholders and resource allocators. If you can, play the role of an advocate for stakeholders' needs: it's easier to be "on their team" than competing for the same resources.

Grouping tasks into milestones that solve specific needs from stakeholders helps win buy-in from stakeholders, and it clarifies the value of the milestones to resource allocators.