Work credo

Last updated: Jun 3, 2024

If we’re working together, I hope this doc makes our collaboration smoother and more transparent.¹ These are the standards I attach myself to that optimize my performance at work. Every preference or strength can also be a weakness, so counter-views are listed as well. Feedback and additional counter-views encouraged.

1. Death before thrash

What is the most succinct option in the most appropriate channel?

• Minimize need for back-and-forth

• For maximum visibility for the appropriate audience

• Framed at the right altitude with the right context²

  • Instant notice and respect of cmd+f usage

• "I have only made this letter longer because I have not had the time to make it shorter." ³

  • It is deeply appreciated when effort is made

• Banter, yes. Less noise, less irrelevant information

• Counter:

  • There is not always enough time to be superbly concise

  • It is unrealistic and not always productive to expect certain roles to do comprehensive research of internal docs before contributing to a conversation

  • "Sometimes someone without baggage has the needed perspective to move a project forward, without all the context." ⁴

  • “Banter” and “noise” is too subjective

2. Bias for direct feedback

Pursuing work that enables strong feedback cycles

• Bias toward working with people that give timely and actionable feedback

• Counter:

  • It overlooks working with people looking to improve their feedback skills or aren’t direct communicators, who may also be great collaborators

  • It overlooks great opportunities that don’t have strong feedback mechanisms set in place yet

3. Do what you say

Self-awareness and commitment over idealism or indecision

• ❌ “I might be able to help.”

  • Building on #1, this doesn’t meaningfully move the conversation forward

• ✅ “I’ll e-mail you a first draft by Tuesday at noon.”

• ✅ “I’m not taking on any new projects until Q3.” ⁵

• Counter:

  • Forecasting work amidst shifting priorities can be hard

While I do not always meet the standards of my own preference, I thrive under these conditions. Notice of inconsistency or hypocrisy is a welcome conversation.

What are your ways of working? Can collaborative compatibility be evaluated by exchanging credos? Say hello and drop me a line—let’s find out!

1. Inspired by Lily Konings, “How to work with Lily”

2. Wes Kao, “The unspoken skill of finesse”

3. Blaise Pascal, (1623-1662) “Lettres provinciales”

4. Forgot where I read this, but it didn't come from my brain

5. Lenny Rachitsky, “On saying no”