Principles

Last updated: January 27, 2024

In my journey as a product manager and, more fundamentally, as a person, I've come to realize that I hold certain principles. Truths about life, working effectively in the workplace, and building products. Like most others, I hold these subconsciously most of the time. Every so often, I’ll find myself in a situation and these principles will re-surface themselves in my mind. This essay is my attempt to articulate these principles, exploring their importance and their personal significance to me.

This list is dynamic and will evolve as I do. It's open to changes as I learn and grow.

Seek truth, not compromise (source)

In every team, company, or organization, conflict is a natural part of working together. When faced with conflict, we typically encounter two paths: seeking compromise or seeking truth. Opting for compromise is often the path of least resistance. Jeff Bezos illustrates this: “Take you back in time 10,000 years, and you're in a small village. If you go along to get along, you can survive, you can procreate.” He goes on, “If you are the village truth-teller, you might get clubbed to death in the middle of the night.” This exemplifies the inherent challenge in truth-telling – it's against our natural instincts for harmony and survival. Yet, embracing truth is crucial in creating a culture of openness and integrity within the teams I lead. It's about facing reality head-on, not shying away from it or reshaping it to fit our desires. I firmly believe that confronting the truth, despite its difficulties, is fundamental to achieving meaningful progress and building genuine, dynamic team relationships.

If it’s not a “Hell yeah!”, it’s a no (source)

The easiest framework for decision-making. If you are ever met with a high-stakes decision — be it personal, professional, or otherwise — ask yourself: is this a “HELL YEAH!”? If there's any hesitation that stops it from being a resounding yes, then it's a no. This approach is like the Net Promoter Score (NPS) used for products, where only those consistently rated 9 or above are truly considered exceptional. By applying this 'Hell Yeah!' framework, I ensure that my efforts are dedicated to pursuits that genuinely matter and resonate with me. It helps me maintain a laser focus, leading to a more meaningful and satisfying life. This is my personal NPS framework for life.

Chop wood, carry water

This is an ancient zen proverb and it encapsulates a profound truth about the human experience. In product management, there is always a long list of priorities and people competing for your attention. It's easy to get lost in small details or side issues. This principle reminds me to concentrate on the most important tasks that really move our product forward. It means doing the essential work, even if it's not the most exciting or visible. For me, it's about not getting distracted by minor things and staying on track with our main goals. Every day, I try to focus on what will make the biggest difference for our product, just like chopping wood and carrying water are basic but vital tasks.

Build cathedrals, don’t lay bricks (source)

As a product leader, my role is to set a compelling product vision, embodying the principle of "Build cathedrals, not just lay bricks." It's crucial for me to ensure that every team member sees beyond the day-to-day tasks to the grand vision we're constructing together. I strive to make everyone aware that they are not just laying bricks, but are integral in building an awe-inspiring catheral. My responsibility is to keep this vision clear and present in all our efforts, ensuring that each action contributes to our magnificent end goal. This approach not only enhances our work but also fuels motivation and a sense of purpose within the team.

Man in the Arena (source)

This quote from Theodore Roosevelt powerfully captures the mindset I aspire to in work and life. It's about setting audacious goals, taking risks despite critics, and finding fulfillment in the journey - win or lose. It stands as the guiding principle I strive to embody in my life — so much so, that it’s permanently embedded in the source code of my website. To me, "the man in the arena" represents courage - the courage to create, build publicly, and push limits. It's less about outcomes than the grit required to attempt great things. This quote drives me to take that first step and pour my energy into efforts that deeply matter, whether or not they succeed. If I had to choose one guiding principle, this would be it.

To be continued…