Process Overview
Writing about process is absurd, bordering on obnoxious. You’re not just telling someone what to do - you’re telling them how to do it.
But process is our topic, so here we are.
My approach has three main components:
- North Stars - unreachable guides that provide reminders: what’s important, sniff tests, sanity checks
- Regular tools - things you do or use frequently and routinely
- Specialty tools - things you do or use occasionally
Those tools are arranged into two categories:
- Activities - practices and exercises
- Principles & Guidelines - ways of looking at problems
North Stars
Section titled “North Stars”You don’t accomplish a North Star. It’s a direction, not a destination. North Stars provide reminders of what matters, so when you’re mired in details and trade-offs, you can look up and check your heading.
More on North Stars
Activities
Section titled “Activities”Activities are practices such as 3+2 Questions or Iteration Planning Meetings. For each, consider:
- Frequency: daily, weekly, monthly, as needed
- Participants: yourself, team, external groups
- Qualifiers: type of project, current context
Principles & Guidelines
Section titled “Principles & Guidelines”I find that looking at a problem from just the right angle can unlock insights and resolve tensions. The principles and guidelines in this playbook are the lenses I’ve found most useful.