Kiriakos Krastillis's Blog

[WIP] Axioms

This is a work in progress [WIP], come back soon for new conten

There are certain things I believe in that shape the way I behave professionally and also my business decisions. They are truths that resonate from within me. They also are things that I do not feel need be justified.

Minimalism

The best part is no part. Something that isn't there doesn't need documentation or maintenance.

Ownership matters

I like for everyone that works with me to have a healthy understanding of how they help the organization achieve their goals. I also think everybody should understand that they are getting a fair deal. I also think it is paramount that everyone in the org feels part of its success and not being taken advantage off. I like passion and I believe that people should be given opportunities to, in a sense, own their work. Not only own their failures but also own their successes! Greatness rarely comes from "it's just a 9 to 5" mentality.

Also, there's no better way to get dragged out of a local minimum than by a well intenioned, passionate employee.

Only employ people whose opinion you value

Others will tell me how one employee/freelancer was really causing too much trouble but they where needed for the job. I do not subscribe to this. Dissent is great as long as it can be kept in check and doesn't ruin everyone's day.

  1. Find out whether those disturbing ideas have any truth to them.
  2. Act and make everybody understand why.
  3. Fast.

Dissent is inevitable

You have smart people, that are invested, passionate, being treated as adults and you maybe even challenge them to grow even more. There is going to be dissent eventually. Better make it so that dissent can be dealt with constructively.

Treat people as adults

Seriously expect an explanation here?

Flywheels work

I probably should write a bit more about this. But yeah, its not just a Marketing Buzzwords, you can use them to build well knit orgs.

Software engineering works for orgs too (sometimes)

example:

  • Linux principles, like failing fast and loud
  • Thin waist architectures
  • Self balancing systems (ok, that's more an engineering thing)

But you get the gist. It's definitely not only Business literature. Actually, better look at what nature does than what someone with an MBA wants you to buy.


To be continued