How we work
We don’t like to make many rules, but we have a few simple tenets we try to work by:
- Take initiative. Honestly this is the most important thing.
- Share progress frequently. Try not to go away for a week or even a whole day and then come back to discuss output. Share and feedback to each other as you go.
- Constant feedback. We all put a lot of hard work in, but sometime a fresh pair of eyes can make all the difference. So help each other out, give each other feedback.
- Don’t assume someone is wrong. Ask why and about their thought process. We’re all on the same side, so just remember to start from a position of respect for the work the person has done
- Challenge each other. We all respect each other. We’re all here to support each other in getting the best results possible. We all have different points of view, which means we can ask and challenge each other in order to HELP each other succeed. However, don’t be an asshole. Pretty simple.
- Accept new ideas. Everyone should be open to new ideas about work processes, structure, best practices, conventions etc.… If we’re all open and embrace new things we can’t overlook great ideas when they do come around.
- Share what you have learnt… post it on slack, start document articles or videos in categories on asana, bounce ideas of each other, let people know what you’re thinking.
- Work hard. We’re in an undeniable position. It’s going to be hard work, but it will be fun. Accept that, embrace it, hard work has its own rewards, it also brings teams closer, makes achievements sweeter, and makes the times when you can relax all the better.
- Work smart. If you’re performing repetitive, time consuming tasks, you might be doing something wrong. Always ask yourself, “Am I working smart?”
- Progress not perfection. OK maybe not when it comes to coding, but generally speaking you’ll find it more productive and less stressful if you get a version of your objective done quickly and iterate, than agonising over getting it perfect first time. Remember, we don’t always know what successful output should look like, and usually the only way to find out is doing it first and then stepping back to reflect. Producing 80% quickly, rather than agonising over delivering perfection that might never materialise, is the preferred way to go.
- Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. OK, things have been consistent so far, so please give us a chance to contradict ourselves. There are times when it is actually faster to take your time and get some work done slowly BUT finish it comprehensively and correctly the first time. Product planning and coding are good examples, or anywhere were data is involved. In these cases rushing usually means having to spend 3 times as long working out and fixing the issues the rush caused, rather than being able to continue building from a strong base. As always, use your judgement.
- Test, Test, Test. Learn, Learn, Learn. Before you start something new, try and do it on a small scale, before spending the bulk of time/money/resources going the whole hog. Usually things will change as a result of testing and learning. Small tests help us be more economical with time and resources. For example choosing small first time print runs over ‘cheaper’ but larger order etc. Send a new email to 5 customers as a test rather than all 10,000 the first time.
- Cleanliness is next to productivity. We’re all working closely together so we just ask to please keep your files, and workplace clean, organised and tidy. A quick clean up midday and at the EOD can do wonders.
- FOCUS. We just can’t stress how important this is. We’ve found that it’s not just a thing to do; it’s a skill that needs to be developed. Take short breaks if needed and try not to get distracted by whatever social media or cat meme you’re into. If you need to answer a personal email or text, please take a break, step away from the team, use the common area to answer whatever is needed, then return.
Meetings at Runa