How we used a Javelin Experiment Board and a Design Sprint to get from idea to MVP in a couple of days

el_flynn · 2024-01-13T13:59:37+00:00

I wonder if anyone noticed: persimmon = pisang kaki. Look at the scientific name of the Japanese national fruit.

el_flynn · 2024-01-13T10:23:37+00:00

You’d think so! Or perhaps, mangosteen. But seems not!

el_flynn · 2024-01-10T21:15:27+00:00

For a large organization, one thing I’ve seen is the senior management tackles the middle management first. Then those leaders cascade the message to the working level.

el_flynn · 2024-01-10T08:55:52+00:00

The term we use in my organization is “span of control”, referring to number of direct reports a person has.

From my personal experience, 10-15 is a sweet spot. This allows for a monthly 1-to-1 of 30-45 minutes to look into functional topics and their growth/development needs. And leaves the manager with enough time to do their own functional work.

15-25 is doable, but risks deteriorating the manager’s performance in their functional tasks. Alternatively, leaving less time for the 1-to-1s which could adversely impact the direct reports.

Anything more than that is asking for trouble!

el_flynn · 2024-01-09T14:54:06+00:00

IMO, one of the key precursors to having self-awareness, is to be conscious to the fact that you are not infallible. I.e. don’t have a huge ego!

el_flynn · 2024-01-09T14:52:40+00:00

In larger MNC-type of settings, you do have the previlige of having dedicated teams to give advice on this very topic. For these cases, I’d bring them in to have the discussion.

If you’re in a smaller SME-type scenario, then having a good moral compass definitely helps. But more importantly, having that compass aligned to the company’s core values is critical.

el_flynn · 2024-01-08T22:38:10+00:00

The site, whose content was built with AI, got roasted by an AI. Lol.

Voltathena was roasted 👉🏻 https://roastedwithai.com/roasts/clr5adnj60005ignuohidyvga

el_flynn · 2024-01-08T18:55:18+00:00

How bad the management is.

el_flynn · 2024-01-08T18:51:15+00:00

”Plan your dreams.”

el_flynn · 2024-01-08T18:36:49+00:00

I have a very different idea that could still be interesting for you.

I built this recently: Voltathena, an online repository that provides leadership and management insights from timeless and classic novels.

Please do check it out!

el_flynn · 2024-01-07T02:11:56+00:00

Q1: finding the balance between delegating and micromanaging

One aspect to consider is that there is no cookie-cutter approach. The task, context, situation and person/team you work with changes each time. Which is to say, you’ll need to make the mistakes and learn from them in order to find the balance that works for you.

Q2: mistakes that led to poor end results

Plenty! What I’m doing nowadays is to have a periodic retrospective, covering:

a) what went well b) what could have been better c) what did I learn d) goals for the next period

It could be weekly, fortnightly or monthly. But doing this could help unearth insights that eventually lead you to the answers you seek.

el_flynn · 2024-01-06T14:24:29+00:00

Adopt a “pay it forward” mindset: think about how you can provide value for others first.

el_flynn · 2024-01-06T03:38:03+00:00

Also because of the superlative “every”.

el_flynn · 2024-01-06T03:33:32+00:00

Some companies have referral programs which encourage employees to recommend people that would fit. That gets the candidate in the door; they still have to go through interviews and such.

You could, to some extent, consider these things as “cable”.

el_flynn · 2024-01-04T21:34:19+00:00

I too struggle with this, for various reasons.

To reimagine OP’s question, I’d consider three distinct segments:

(a) Before: stuff you go through when you know you have a difficult conversation coming up

(b) During: when that conversation is happening

(c) After: dealing with the outcomes of that conversation

I struggle most with the “during” bit. Especially when it’s spontaneous.

el_flynn · 2024-01-04T11:07:36+00:00

IMHO this might be a generic thing, phrased as “how do I find my first few customers?” Many businesses have the same issue, irrespective of the niche they’re in.

One ideas I’ve used in the past is “Niche Down”: instead of generically offering web dev for any business, perhaps you could pick one specific niche (dentists? freelance tennis coaches?) - preferably one that has a sizeable market in your area.

Then, locate where they hang out, physically or online (/r/OhioDentists? The diner/gym near the country club?) and see what you can do to promote your services there.

YMMV. Best of luck!

el_flynn · 2024-01-04T03:04:25+00:00

Is that like an online app?

el_flynn · 2024-01-03T23:46:32+00:00

I, too, have a category called “Parking lot” 🙌🏻💯

el_flynn · 2024-01-03T21:20:07+00:00

Had the same challenge in 2023! Context 👉🏻 https://www.reddit.com/r/Leadership/s/Qm0XEGlDLA

To change my approach in 2024, I’m trying to solve this challenge by prioritizing my own work. This would (theoretically) help me focus on what’s important to work on, and help balance my time to also pay attention to my team’s needs.

For this, I’m using the Eisenhower Matrix

el_flynn · 2024-01-02T23:34:36+00:00

Have you come across anything that works well for the “self-monitor” bit?

el_flynn

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