Whether you’re launching your first physical product or managing a growing product portfolio, leading a new development project can feel like you’re juggling a thousand moving parts. Timelines, suppliers, stakeholders, production delays… it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. If this sounds like you, you probabaly want to learn more about how to Run Your Next Development Like a Pro.

But here’s the truth: 

You don’t need to manage product development through chaos.

With just a few foundational tools and routines, you can lead with structure, clarity, and confidence—even if you’re running a lean team.

In this post, I’m sharing the exact approach I use when managing product development for both startups and corporate clients. It’s simple, practical, and built to work for busy founders and business leaders alike.

🎯 Why Product Development Often Feels Chaotic

Let’s start with what most of us are experiencing behind the scenes.

– You’ve got a great idea, but the execution feels messy 

– Team members are waiting for input—or giving conflicting opinions 

– Spreadsheets are multiplying 

– Deadlines keep moving 

– And everyone’s asking, *“Are we still on track?”*

If you’re a founder, you may be doing it all yourself. 

If you’re a business executive, you might be managing multiple product lines and teams without clear processes in place.

But no matter your role, you likely share the same goals: 

✔ Deliver a quality product 

✔ On time 

✔ Within budget 

✔ Without losing your sanity in the process

✅ The Three Templates That Keep My Projects on Track

You don’t need complicated systems to run your product development like a pro. You just need **clarity, consistency, and a few key tools**.

Here are the three templates I use in every product development project—whether I’m working with a solo founder or leading a multi-functional corporate team:

1. Action Item Tracker

This is your team’s single source of truth. I use an Excel or Google Sheet with simple columns:

– Task or deliverable 

– Owner 

– Status (open, started, closed, on hold) 

– Deadline 

– Comments

💡 *Pro tip:* Share it on a central drive so your entire team has access and accountability.

This tool helps eliminate the “Who’s doing what?” questions that often stall momentum.

If you like to dive deeper, check out this episode where I explain how to set these up in more detail.

2. Product Development Checklist

This is your project map. It outlines every product development phase—from idea to launch—and lists the key deliverables required in each one.

Unlike the action tracker, this checklist isn’t about timelines—it’s about **making sure the right things get done before moving forward**.

I assign owners to each deliverable and check in weekly to track progress.

🧩 Think of this as your blueprint. It helps your team focus on execution rather than reinventing the process every time.

3. Project Planning Timeline

This is your actual timeline—your launch roadmap.

I build this in Excel or Microsoft Project, depending on complexity. It includes milestones, lead times, buffer periods, and cross-functional input. It’s collaborative from the start.

We review it as a team and validate the timing with suppliers.

And here’s the best part: once the plan is in place, it gives everyone peace of mind. You don’t need to hold it all in your head anymore.

📅The Secret to Productive Weekly Project Meetings

This structure works best when paired with short, recurring check-ins.

Here’s my weekly meeting formula:

– ⏰ 30 minutes max 

– 📋 Review the action tracker 

– 🚦 Check progress on the checklist 

– 📣 Share updates, blockers, and decisions 

– 🙋‍♀️ Ask for help where needed

Whether you’re a founder working solo or leading a team of 10, having this routine builds trust, accountability, and flow.

Even if things go off track (which happens!), you’ll be better prepared to course-correct with confidence.

Professionalizing Your Product Process—Without Adding Stress

If you’re a founder: 

This structure frees up your brain space and gives you time back to focus on strategy, marketing, and creative development.

If you’re a business leader: 

This professionalizes your approach—so you can manage more products, more people, and more complexity without burning out.

And in both cases, it positions you as the calm, confident leader your team and business need.

Want to Get Started Today?

To Run Your Next Development Like a Pro and to help you implement what we’ve talked about, I’ve created a workshop for you where we’re going to craft your Product Development Framework. You don’t need to be a project management expert to lead your product development like one. You just need:

– A clear process 

– A few powerful templates 

– And a rhythm that supports your team—and your vision

You’ve got this. And I’m here to help you every step of the way.

Let’s Connect

If you found this helpful, please share it with your team or a fellow founder. 

And if you’re ready to go deeper, explore my workshop or sign up for the newsletter where I share weekly tools and insights to grow your product business—without the overwhelm.

Let’s build your next product with confidence and clarity.