--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How can we walk away from requirements…" description: "\"“How can we walk away from requirements that we know to be true to pursue something that we think will help?” It turns out that is exactly what product..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/ben-horowitz-1791_strategy_how-can-we-walk-away-from-requirements-t_1158138.jpg" --- # How can we walk away from requirements that we know to be… ![“How can we walk away from requirements that we know to be true to pursue something that we think will help?” It turns out that is exactly what product strategy is all about—figuring out the right product is the innovator’s job, not the customer’s job.” quote by Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/ben-horowitz-1791_strategy_how-can-we-walk-away-from-requirements-t_1158138.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/ben-horowitz-1791_strategy_how-can-we-walk-away-from-requirements-t_1158138.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/a9d/ben-horowitz-1791_strategy_how-can-we-walk-away-from-requirements-t_1158138.jpg) > ““How can we walk away from requirements that we know to be true to pursue something that we think will help?” It turns out that is exactly what product strategy is all about—figuring out the right product is the innovator’s job, not the customer’s job.”” [Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-horowitz/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Product strategy requires abandoning known truths to pursue uncertain opportunities that may create greater value. **In simple terms:** Choosing unknown paths can yield better products. Key Takeaway Embrace uncertainty in product decisions. Themes innovation strategy risk decision‑making Mood thoughtful determined Type business strategic When to use this quote - startup planning - product development - pivoting - market research Key Concepts product‑market fit uncertainty customer insight Questions to Reflect On - What assumptions are you willing to challenge? - How do you validate new ideas? A Different Perspective Ignoring customer data can lead to misaligned products. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Innovator Job](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/innovator-job-1674177/) [Product Innovator](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/product-innovator-1674176/) [Product Strategy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/product-strategy-1661840/) [Strategy](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strategy/) [Strategy Figuring](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/strategy-figuring-1778381/) ## Related quotes > [It turns out that is exactly what product strategy is all about—figuring out the right product is the innovator’s job, not the customer’s job.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-horowitz/it-turns-out-that-is-exactly-what-product-strategy-is-all-about/) [Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-horowitz/) > [“out the right product is the innovator’s job, not the customer’s job.”](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ben-horowitz/out-the-right-product-is-the-innovator-s-job-not-the-customer-s-job/) [Ben Horowitz](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ben-horowitz/) > [Part of strategy is figuring out what you're good at, figuring out what you're not good at, and then getting yourself in position to…](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/jeffrey-pfeffer/part-of-strategy-is-figuring-out-what-you-re-good-at-figuring-out/) [Jeffrey Pfeffer](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/jeffrey-pfeffer/) > [Strategy is figuring out what not to do.](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/steve-jobs/strategy-is-figuring-out-what-not-to-do/) [Steve Jobs](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/steve-jobs/) > [“The product strategy describes how the long-term goal is attained; it includes the product’s value proposition, market, key features, and business goals. 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