How to work with MaxTB

How to work with MaxTB

Asynchronous before meeting

Meetings are sacred, amazing things. As long as you don’t use them to try and solve all problems. I try to work asynchronously for as long as possible on a task, then collect the team to talk when we really need to, before returning to async.

Productising recurring tasks

If we’re going to do something over and over again, I like to capture and standardise it so we can refine it. Most repeating tasks aren’t hard, and they are even easier if you take a close look at what really matters and how to make them painless.

I intend to stack then process (but often fail)

Stacking makes the difference between constant interruption and mode-switching vs efficient processing. In a perfect world, I wouldn’t check email, Slack etc more than once an hour — its gravity draws me in more than that.

Focus and priorities are everything

Almost nothing is equally important and working smoothly is about choices. Mostly about what not to do right now and what not to do ever. Getting to 80% as quickly as possible should be a priority so you can understand the task and what’s missing. Talking one-to-one where possible helps this focus on action.

Typical schedule

Generally I do my best work by using my energy early. Early in the day, early in the week, early in the month — if you’re not ahead, you’re behind.

• I get my daughter up around 7 then check in on intel over breakfast.
• She goes to bed 12:30–14:00 so I may be squeezing in exercise etc.
• I tend to make her dinner from 17:00ish and have family time until she goes to bed at 19:00.

Communication

• If it’s urgent, you can call me — even better if you leave a message too if you miss me.
• Most questions live well in Slack and can be easily processed when I check in.
• Email is a last resort.