working-backwards

Apply Working Backwards to draft PR/FAQs and plan from a future state.

Updated Jun 2, 2026

Search Tags:#alignment #cross-functional #product-strategy #working-backwards #future-state #prfaq #customer-problem

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/PSkinnerTech/lenny-skills --skill working-backwards-pskinnertech

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: working-backwards
Source: https://github.com/PSkinnerTech/lenny-skills/tree/main/skills/working-backwards
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/PSkinnerTech/lenny-skills --skill working-backwards-pskinnertech

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

The Working Backwards skill guides teams to define problems from the customer’s perspective, draft PR/FAQs, and plan from a future state before building.

Core Features & Use Cases

Start with the customer problem and write a clear problem paragraph to anchor the idea.
Draft a PR/FAQ with problem, solution, customer quote, and leadership quote to force clarity.
Define the ideal future state and backcast practical steps, aligning GTM, organization, and strategy.

Quick Start

Draft a future-state press release and a supporting FAQ to anchor your product idea before building.

Frequently Asked Questions about working-backwards

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

What is the Working Backwards methodology for product strategy?▼

The Working Backwards methodology starts by defining the customer problem, then drafting a future-state press release and FAQ to force clarity, and finally backcasting practical steps to align strategy and delivery.

How do I draft a PR/FAQ to align cross-functional teams before building?▼

To draft a PR/FAQ, write a clear customer problem paragraph, outline the proposed solution, and include simulated customer and leadership quotes to force clarity and align cross-functional teams.

When do I need to write a future-state press release for product proposals?▼

You need a future-state press release when you must anchor a product idea, validate the ideal future state, and check GTM, compliance, and strategy alignment before committing engineering resources.

Can I use this working backwards approach for cross-functional alignment checks?▼

Yes, working backwards supports cross-functional alignment checks by using PR/FAQ artifacts and future-state storytelling to validate proposals across GTM, compliance, organization, and strategy.

What is the best way to define customer problems before building a product?▼

The best way is to write a clear problem paragraph from the customer's perspective, then draft a PR/FAQ and backcast practical steps from the ideal future state to ensure legitimate product planning.

Does working backwards require any specific dependencies to plan from a future state?▼

No dependencies are required, making it straightforward to start backcasting practical steps and building legitimate plans from a future state without prior technical environment setup.