SOME CALL IT A MANIFESTO · I JUST FOLLOW THREE PRINCIPLES · I TESTED THEM FOR YEARS
Zero Nonsense.
What we believe, in plain language. If you read these and nod, we’ll probably get along.
Principle 01
Ideas that stand on their own, explained plainly.
We need to leverage our core competencies to synergize cross-functional value delivery.
QUARTERLY REVIEW · Q2 RETROWe're good at X. Let's do more of it.
QUARTERLY REVIEW · Q2 RETROBuzzwords, hyperbole, and bombastic phrasing are marketing copy bleeding into business language. That’s the wrong direction.
Instead, we choose to rely on the idea’s own strength, and we are willing to let go of ideas that require buzzwords and hyperbole to stand. Function over form.
Principle 02
Blame doesn't ship code.
The engineering team failed to deliver on the committed timeline.
POST-MORTEM · SPRINT 17The timeline was tight and we didn't have a flagging process. Let's add a weekly check-in.
POST-MORTEM · SPRINT 17The only thing that blame generates is excuses. Changes and setbacks are parts of the process, as is conflict.
We believe in a pragmatic approach, where blame is stripped away in communication, everyone speaks freely, and the focus stays on fixing what's broken.
Principle 03
Problems don't go away.
We're monitoring the situation and will circle back if it becomes a priority.
SHIP DECISION · MAY 2024This is a problem. We can't fix it now. Here's when we will.
SHIP DECISION · MAY 2024Wishful thinking is not a communication strategy. It only allows issues to grow, whether it's in strategy, workflows, or rapport.
We believe in surfacing issues early, so they don't have time to compound. We state the problem clearly, early, and without blame.
A little bit of humor helps.
That one isn’t a principle. We just believe that it helps gain perspective.