Things I Believe

Clear process beats heroics#

• A process only one person understands is a risk, not a skill
• Write it down, then improve it
• Standardise before you automate
• Documentation is a kindness to the next person
• The best handover is one nobody has to ask questions about

Speed comes from accuracy#

• Move fast on the routine, slow down on the strange
• Correct the first time is faster than fast twice
• Every check protects someone. Know who
• Fix the cause, not just the case

Be ruthlessly honest with your numbers#

• Report the real number, even when it’s worse
• A suspiciously good result is a bug until proven otherwise
• “I don’t know, here’s how I’ll find out” is a complete answer
• You can just change your mind if you’re wrong

Communication is the job#

• Clear writing is clear thinking
• Bottom line first
• Escalate with context: what I saw, what I checked, what I need
• Simple words travel further, in any language
• Be the person who takes notes

Leadership doesn’t require a title#

• Influence > titles
• Ask first, announce second
• Give away the credit, keep the responsibility
• Say yes to fewer things, with a clear owner each

Start where you are#

• Grit > pedigree
• Learn on weekends, apply on weekdays
• Build something small every month
• Being helpful compounds

Build your own tools#

• If you do something every day, it deserves a script
• Demos > memos
• A working prototype ends the argument faster than a slide deck

Assume good intent#

• Lead with empathy
• Nobody wakes up wanting to cause an incident
• Criticism is good feedback if you listen unemotionally