I establish values to influence behaviors and guide decision-making for myself and the teams I'm on.

• Outcomes Over Output

  Forget about mindlessly grinding and obsessing over your workload. Shift your focus to the end result. It's all about caring more about the final outcome.

  With this mindset you can unlock the creative genius inside you. You will set clear goals and know what you want to achieve. You can prioritize and make the most of your time. You'll bring your A-game and deliver quality. Be a creative genius, not settling for average. You'll emmbrace change, try new approaches, and handle anything that comes your way.

  Last but not least, it puts to task you and your teams ability to measure success. Outcomes are what really matter. They show you what's working and what's not. Use that knowledge to make smart decisions!

• Encourage Deadlines

  Its always important to weed out weak concepts early on and focus on the winners. Limited time forces you to evaluate ideas quickly — And quick evaluation is done best by scoping down. Time constraints lead to more concise problems, solutions and process.

  Time constraints help you manage the risk of over-investing in bad ideas. Without time constraints, your milestones can balloon in scope, and time to launch can continue to get pushed out. By setting milestones connected to deeadlines, you're forced to evaluate progress frequently. The best part — this opens the door to more difficult decisions and allow you to pivot when necessary — don't let time suck you into a design black hole.

  Embrace the challenge and surprise yourself. Time constraints force you to evaluate quickly, adapt as you go, and manage risk. So, embrace those constraints, and design like a boss!

• Assume Best Intentions.

  Assuming best intentions within a team creates a positive and trusting environment that fosters open communication, collaboration, and strengthens relationships. It encourages empathy during conflicts, minimizing negativity and defensiveness, while promoting constructive discussions and finding common ground.

  This approach cultivates a growth mindset, allowing team members to take risks, share ideas, and innovate without fear of judgment. It increases productivity, morale, and attracts top talent, as individuals feel motivated and valued, leading to a high-performing and engaged team. Additionally, conflicts are resolved effectively through problem-solving and open communication, preserving relationships and team dynamics.

• Seek Divergent Ideas

  Seeking divergent ideas as part of a product team brings valuable benefits. It stimulates creativity and innovation by introducing fresh perspectives and unconventional approaches. Diverse viewpoints tap into collective intelligence, enhancing problem-solving capabilities and leading to better decisions. Embracing divergent ideas creates a dynamic and innovative team environment.

  It also fosters inclusivity, as team members feel valued and engaged when encouraged to contribute their unique thoughts and opinions. By seeking diverse ideas, you can anticipate user needs and preferences more effectively, resulting in improved products and user satisfaction.

• Be Sustainable

  Taking care of yourself keeps your well-being in check and your productivity on point. When you prioritize your physical and mental health, you can handle the demands of your role without burning out or stressing yourself too much. Plus, it sets the stage for teamwork and collaboration. By finding that work-life balance and practicing self-care, you become a reliable and supportive team member, creating a positive environment where everyone can thrive.

  But it doesn't stop there. Personal sustainability boosts your creativity and problem-solving mojo. When you give yourself the space and time to recharge, you open up your mind to fresh ideas and new perspectives. It's like hitting the refresh button for your brain. And guess what? Taking care of yourself also ensures long-term career sustainability. By avoiding burnout and staying motivated, you can keep growing professionally and contributing to your team's success in the long run.

  Make personal sustainability a priority and show others the way. It's all about setting a positive example and building a team that values well-being and supports each other.