When I Usually Join
The product already exists, and so do the requirements. The real problems usually begin when complexity starts to grow, or when a new product needs structure from the beginning.
For example:
- more features, but less structure
- more requests, but no shared framework
- longer workflows and higher maintenance cost
- product and design decisions pulling against each other
- a team that knows what to build, but not how to organize it
That is usually when I step in. I do not replace product direction. I build enough structure for it to keep moving.