Totally appreciate you breaking down the difference between technical and non-technical founders!
The step-by-step process you outlined for technical founders makes sense. No matter what type of founder someone is, having clarity on the vision and mission, along with defined strategies and goals, is so so important.
I agree that aligning on the big picture while focusing on small, daily actions is a balanced approach.
I have found that my brain thinks linearly, but when doing something new, the results are exponential.
The approach of micro-goals you propose is very relevant when trying something new. I'll focus on my actions and get information on what kind of results I can get. Putting a SMART goal on something I don't understand would be harder than just doing the micro-goal.
Great point about thinking linearly but getting exponential results when trying something new, Fran! I like your suggestion to focus on actions and gather information first when entering an unfamiliar domain. Being open and objective about the actual outcomes from micro-goals is smarter than locking in potentially unrealistic targets.
Amazing post thanks for sharing this. I really appreciated the strategies you shared, and also how you framed them as small bite sized micro-strategies (keeping in line with your theme about small actionable steps).
Keen to get your thoughts on things have worked for you to encourage others around you to get in the mode of doing these things (eg. Direct reports)? I’m a new lead of a team and keen to learn how to actively encourage this behaviour in my team members.
I'm happy to hear you found the strategies practical! Ensuring the whole team buys into the micro-goal mindset is critical for leaders. I've found leading by example to be most effective - if my team sees me applying the advice consistently, it sets the tone and new norms. I also try to approach reviewing that we are with humble curiosity periodically (just in case we aren't being as consistent as we're striving for).
Making it a regular part of check-ins, providing coaching/support, and publicly celebrating small wins can also help. Building a culture focused on progress through small steps takes time but pays off exponentially!
Loved the article and personal story, Addy. I relate to that a lot. Similar to your story, I've had the idea of a book too, but have probably let perfectionism and procrastination take over too much.
I'm taking a micro-step this year of writing a "100 things every developer should know" pdf/book/guide (TBD exactly format), but the idea of it is that it's SOMETHING. Doesn't have to be super formal. Could be 1-3 sentences each.
Thanks for all your insightful articles as always, Addy. This one definitely gives me an extra push that I need
There are two types of Founders: technical and non-technical.
For a Technical founder, we start with an idea and move on to a Plan - Strategy - Execution.
And this might look something like this:
20+ Years: Vision 👁️
5+ Years: Mission🎯
<3 Years: Strategy 💡
Annual: Big, Hairy Goal ⛳️
Quarterly: Project Completion✅
Monthly: Strategy Realignment🧑🔧
Weekly: Check-Ins📲
Daily: Action🚶
Totally appreciate you breaking down the difference between technical and non-technical founders!
The step-by-step process you outlined for technical founders makes sense. No matter what type of founder someone is, having clarity on the vision and mission, along with defined strategies and goals, is so so important.
I agree that aligning on the big picture while focusing on small, daily actions is a balanced approach.
Very interesting post, Addy!
I have found that my brain thinks linearly, but when doing something new, the results are exponential.
The approach of micro-goals you propose is very relevant when trying something new. I'll focus on my actions and get information on what kind of results I can get. Putting a SMART goal on something I don't understand would be harder than just doing the micro-goal.
Great point about thinking linearly but getting exponential results when trying something new, Fran! I like your suggestion to focus on actions and gather information first when entering an unfamiliar domain. Being open and objective about the actual outcomes from micro-goals is smarter than locking in potentially unrealistic targets.
Thank you Addy for all your writing.
I'm glad you found value in my writing, Zdravko! Feedback like yours keeps me motivated to continue sharing my perspectives.
Amazing post thanks for sharing this. I really appreciated the strategies you shared, and also how you framed them as small bite sized micro-strategies (keeping in line with your theme about small actionable steps).
Keen to get your thoughts on things have worked for you to encourage others around you to get in the mode of doing these things (eg. Direct reports)? I’m a new lead of a team and keen to learn how to actively encourage this behaviour in my team members.
Thanks James!
I'm happy to hear you found the strategies practical! Ensuring the whole team buys into the micro-goal mindset is critical for leaders. I've found leading by example to be most effective - if my team sees me applying the advice consistently, it sets the tone and new norms. I also try to approach reviewing that we are with humble curiosity periodically (just in case we aren't being as consistent as we're striving for).
Making it a regular part of check-ins, providing coaching/support, and publicly celebrating small wins can also help. Building a culture focused on progress through small steps takes time but pays off exponentially!
Loved the article and personal story, Addy. I relate to that a lot. Similar to your story, I've had the idea of a book too, but have probably let perfectionism and procrastination take over too much.
I'm taking a micro-step this year of writing a "100 things every developer should know" pdf/book/guide (TBD exactly format), but the idea of it is that it's SOMETHING. Doesn't have to be super formal. Could be 1-3 sentences each.
Thanks for all your insightful articles as always, Addy. This one definitely gives me an extra push that I need