The 37signal founders Jason and David have written a book that anyone wanting to be more productive at work ought to read. It tells us what we may already know. It makes us question the things we’ve been taught. And I think everyone will come away wanting to tear out a few pages to give to their boss (or board of directors if you are the boss) and a few pages to give to their peers and many pages to post around their office space.
So instead of trying to be witty, here are a few of the chapter headings that sunk in with me. Ordering a copy of the book now and I’ll use a few of these for future discussions.
For me:
- Learning from mistakes is overrated
- Start making something
- Don’t be a hero
For my next boss (and me):
- Planning is guessing
- Start a business not a startup
- Start at the epicenter & Launch Now
- Say no by default & Don’t confuse enthusiasm with priority
- Send people home at 5 (even if you have to kick me out)
For my peers (and me):
- Make a dent in the universe
- Focus on what won’t change
- Good enough is fine
- Four-letter words: need, must, can’t, easy, just, only, fast. ASAP is poison.
For all those people thought would like to dream big (and me):
- Interruption is the enemy of productivity
- Pour yourself into your product
- Emulate chefs – write a cookbook and share
For people that might fear hiring me:
- The best are everywhere. “It’s crazy not to hire the best people just because they live far away.”
