My user manual
My style
- If it’s not fun, we’re doing it wrong.
- My universe is one of working hypotheses. Everything I “know” is subject to new data. Challenge my worldview!
- Externalise ftw. “In people’s heads” is the worst place to store shared understanding.
- If we don’t know why we’re doing something, we should stop until we have a clear goal/benefit articulated. Wandering in circles = wasting time, and we have problems to solve!
- I will talk to anyone, anytime, about anything.
- Less talking, more doing.
- I am often contradictory, but it works for me.
What I value
- Authenticity: walk it like I talk it.
- Empathy: what’s it like in your world?
- Kindness: it’s harder than niceness but always worth the effort.
- Relentless curiosity: ALL the whys, ALL the time.
- Radical ideation: what if…? (carrier pigeons are always a solution)
- Willingness to play: life’s too short to be boring.
- Servant leadership: developing products excites my brain; developing people satisfies my soul.
What I don’t have patience for
- Power games.
- Intentional unkindness.
- Lies, half-truths, and misdirection.
- Insincerity and/or sucking up.
- Information hoarding.
- Lone-wolfing.
How to best communicate with me
- To explain something complex: draw me a picture.
- To get me excited about what you’re doing: draw pictures with me.
- To ask me to do something: in writing (Slack or email). If I don’t see it written down there is a barely non-zero chance that I will remember it. If it doesn’t get to my list, it won’t happen.
How to help me
- Follow up in writing: send meeting notes or summaries of important conversations.
- If I seem distracted or cranky ask me if I need a break.
- Feedback is a gift that I will always eagerly accept.
- Ask me for help; being of service to others is my life’s mission.
What people misunderstand about me
Deep down, I’m an introvert. I love people, but y’all wear me out.
Write your own
- Try out my self-paced workshop and write your own user manual.