Writing
Blog.
Essays on the systems, frameworks, and human dynamics that make — or break — product delivery at scale.
Get new essays in your inbox.
Free — no paid account required.
Out now on Amazon®
More Clarity, Less Noise
by Rick Pollick
Two volumes — writings on mindset, people, process, product, data, and AI.
Buy on Amazon® →
2024
3 minMastering the Art of Operational Excellence: A Year in Review and the Path Forward
Introduction:As the curtain falls on another year, the tech industry's relentless pace has once again put operational strategies and team efficiencies under the microscope. Reflecting on the past twelve months, it's clear that the secret to enduring success lies not just in groundbreaking innovation but equally in the meticulous refinement of internal processes and the cultivation of high-performing teams. This review delves into the critical operational insights and lessons learned from the yea
3 minMike Tomlin and the Willingness to Go the Extra Mile: A Business Perspective
If you're a fan of football, or even just a connoisseur of motivational speeches, you've likely come across Mike Tomlin, the charismatic head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tomlin has a knack for distilling complex ideas into powerful, digestible nuggets of wisdom. One of his standout quotes, "It's not what you're capable of, it's what you're willing to do," hits especially hard in both sports and business contexts. Let's break this down and see how it can transform our professional attitudes
4 minNavigating Deep Waters: Business Lessons from "Leadership on a Submarine"
Imagine this: You're hundreds of meters below the sea surface, in a vessel where every decision could mean the difference between surfacing triumphantly or staying submerged indefinitely. This isn't the beginning of a thriller novel; it's everyday life in submarine leadership. While your office might not be under the sea, there's a treasure trove of business wisdom to be unearthed from the talk "Leadership on a Submarine." So, let's dive in and explore how the depths of the ocean can teach us ab
3 minNavigating the SAFe Waters: Why Less Might Just Be More
Alright, let's talk about SAFe - the Scaled Agile Framework. It's like the Swiss Army knife of Agile frameworks, promising to equip businesses with everything (and I mean everything) they might need to scale agile practices across the organization. But here's the kicker: while SAFe brings a lot of tools to the table, it also brings a hefty dose of complexity and, dare I say, overhead that can leave teams feeling more weighed down than empowered. So, let's dive into why, in the vast ocean of proj
3 minNavigating the What's Next: Associating Business Value to Your To-Do List
Ever found yourself at the crossroads of too many tasks and too little time, wondering, "What on Earth should I tackle next?" And more importantly, "Which of these gazillion tasks actually brings value to my business?" You're not sailing this ship alone. Determining the next right things to work on, and pegging real, tangible business value to them, can feel like decoding the Da Vinci Code. But hey, let's break it down together, in plain English, no cryptex required.The Great List DownStart by j
6 minNavigating the World of Business Program, Process, Project & Product Management: The Grand Symphony of Managem
Hey there! If you've ever been curious about the intricate world of business, specifically the realms of program and process management, you're in for a treat. Let's unravel these concepts together, shall we? Picture this: You're the captain of a ship (your business), and you're navigating through the vast ocean (the market). To ensure a successful voyage, you need a map (your program management) and a compass (your process management). Sounds intriguing? Let's dive deeper.What is Business Progr
23 minMembersOptimizing Agile Meetings: A Comprehensive Guide to Keeping Your Team on Track
Intro:In the fast-paced world of Agile development, effective meeting structures are the backbone of successful team collaboration and project progression. From the daily sync-ups that keep team members aligned to the more strategic sessions that guide the project's direction, every meeting has a critical role to play. This guide aims to delve into the essence of Agile meeting agendas, covering everything from the quick, daily stand-ups to the nuanced pre-refinement and retrospective sessions. W
3 min"Planes, Trains, and Automobiles": Agile Lessons from an Unlikely Source
Hey there, folks! Have you ever watched the classic comedy "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" and thought to yourself, "This is just a hilarious movie about a disastrous trip home for Thanksgiving"? Well, hold onto your hats because I'm about to flip that script and show you how this 1980s gem is actually packed with hidden lessons for business and agile teams. Yes, you read that right. So, grab some popcorn, and let's dive into the unexpected business wisdom of Neal Page and Del Griffith.Embracin