My Principles

Source: https://www.boldmethod.com/blog/learn-to-fly/aircraft-systems/how-your-magnetic-compass-works/

This is a working list. I'll instruct this be put in final form in my will.

Problem Solving

• Someone in the world has reasonably solved 99% of day to day problems and put the solution on the internet for others. Leverage their solutions, at least to start with.

• The first source you come across on the internet is often not the best answer. Try to find at least 3 answers to the same problem and find the commonalities between them. Focus on the commonalities.

• Understand the logical explanation of the commonalities in the solutions. These will boil down to acceptable answers in physics, biology, math, chemistry, computer science, or general logic. If they don't, it might not be the right answer.

• Try your best to recognize your bias. The earlier you do, the less rework and failure lays ahead.

• The only bad question is a question not asked.

• The obstacle is the way. If it's tough, you're probably in the right place.

Working with Others

• It's possible to be a nice person and achieve results. And almost always, the results are better when you're nice.

• We never know what people are going though behind the scenes. If someone is angry without a clear reason why, it's probably not because of you. Extend them grace.

• Don't be too attached to your ideas in the beginning. This strengthens bias. Present ideas as "drafts" or "rough starting points" to help others feel safe to contribute and give constructive criticism. Attachment should scale linearly with data and evidence.

• A little bit of safe humor (e.g. "dad jokes") does wonders to create an environment of openness.

• Context is often undervalued and underdelivered. Leaders need more context than you think.

• Feelings drive business as much as logic. Sometimes even more. Call out elephants in the room. Address others' feelings before they need to raise them.

• Never hold back appreciation. Recognize others often.