How We Work Together

We all want to be successful. And this article does nothing more than providing a guidance on how we should work together to bring success to every single member in our team.

Our goal is to help everyone be more efficient at work. We want to help you focusing on the work that matter, achieving your goals and play together as good friends.

The values in this document are fleshed out through a simple good vs. bad comparison.

Default To Action #

What this means: Be proactive to take action on tasks and team problems. Take action as soon as possible, don't wait until a perfect moment to do something as most decisions are changeable. It's better to deliver something real today over something maybe better later.

Tips on how to apply this value: #

“When I see a problem, I take action.” vs. “When I see a problem, I ignore it because it's someone else's job.”

"If I'm unsure about something, I seek out help from my manager or a teammate." vs. "I don't like to ask questions or raise issues because I'm afraid I'll look bad."

"I prefer to make a quick, decent decision instead of pursuing perfection." vs. "I hold myself to making perfect or near-perfect decisions no matter the cost."

"When prioritizing my day, I focus on tasks that align with my team's goals." vs. "I spin up new projects frequently and get frustrated when no one dedicates time to helping me."

"We tackle big hairy problems and take big bets diligently as a team." vs. "I make big, tough to reverse decisions on my own."

"I actively get new tasks in the queue or actively asking for new tasks from manager." vs "I wait for my manager to assign task."

Default To Transparency #

What this means: When working in a distributed team, staying on the same page is tough. Sharing context, goals, objectives, and in-progress work in public helps us all achieve a common goal.

Tips on how to apply this value: #

"I keep my team members in tune with relevant information as it can be appropriately shared with context so there's rarely surprises." vs. "I hold back information until the very point it needs to be shared, even if it is a surprise to my teammates, that's OK."

"I share my work with my peers early and often so we can course correct quickly." vs. "I share my masterpiece at the end in a big grand reveal."

"I make it easy for others to follow my work by summarizing tasks accomplished and decisions made, and providing links to source material for deeper context." vs. "I share raw notes and all details of my work and decisions, and expect others have the time to consume it all."

"I distill reporting to what's relevant to my audience, linking out to details that are already understood." vs. "I share everything out of concern my audience might question my decision-making or productivity."

"When sensitive details come my way, I think twice and consult a manager before sharing publicly." vs. "I share far and wide just for transparency's sake."

Grow Through Feedback #

What this means: We all have personal goals and ambitions. Let's work together to help us all achieve our goals.

Tips on how to apply this value: #

“When I hear feedback, I improve with it.” vs. “When I hear feedback, I disengage.”

"I assume positive intent when receiving feedback." vs. "I feel attacked when receiving feedback."

“When a teammate's work helps me, I say thanks by sharing how.” vs. “I keep feedback to myself.”

"I reflect on and engage with learning opportunities." vs. "I prefer to gloss over missteps or mistakes because it is more comfortable than addressing them head on."

“I participate in other people’s development.” vs. “I stay silent to avoid hurting feelings or feeling uncomfortable.”

"I provide feedback directly and compassionately." vs. "I provide feedback without the ultimate goal of helping the other person."

“When change happens, I embrace new opportunities.” vs. “When change happens, I fear for the worst."

Empathy, No Ego #

What this means: All of our teammates are smart and talented. When we work together we will be successful.

Tips on how to apply this value: #

“I work with others to build on great ideas." vs. “I work alone because my ideas are the best.”

"I take interest in my teammates' and users' well being. I know with strong bonds we can go through any tough time together." vs. "I treat my team as resources to help me achieve tasks that advance my interests."

"If the floor is dirty, I sweep the floor." vs. "I wait for the janitor to sweep the floor because some jobs are below me."

Sometimes it's not about a big ego. Sometimes we need guidance on how to handle a bruised ego and learn to be forgiving of ourselves to take the next steps. These rules help give guidance for this set of situations:

"When I fail, I learn." vs. "When I fail, I'm no good."

"I can learn anything I want to." vs. "I'm either good at it or I'm not."

"When I'm frustrated I persevere." vs. "When I'm frustrated I give up."

"If you succeed, I feel inspired." vs. "If you succeed, I feel threatened."