Retrospective is a Great Habit
Hey friend,
Just want to share something I learned recently in a team-building session. To be honest, I didn't expect having in-depth reflection before it started , since it is only a building session for wooden carts, using my company's product (power tool) and wooden pallet to build it.
But this time, it is a little bit different. Our trainer is enthusiastic and hoping to bring us some learning during the session. We even have a retrospective after the training to reflect on what we learn and our observations, so I thought it is worth writing down some learning from it.
Alignment is essential no matter how big or small the project is
Situation
Our team changed the design of the wooden cart during the build. At that time, we were not well communicated, and everyone was working on their own parts. The trainer is observing us quietly on the side.
After a couple of moment , he deicede to step in before we are running out of time. Pulling everyone together, making sure everyone was well communciated and aligned the new plan. And in the end, we successfully built a functioning cart.
Reflection
We must communicate and align the project's plan across team members, whether a 1-hour wooden cart build or a multi-national project involving stakeholders across different BU. Because without a clear alignment, everyone might think differently and have a different plan in their mind. Only by constant and even over-communication. We can achieve the result we want.
Everyone in the team is responsible for speaking up when they spot problems
During the build, of course, there will be problems . We had issues with design, how to use the tool and more.
Reflection
And when a problem occurs, it will be everyone's responsibility to speak up and shed light on it, to show the bad and the ugly. The person might not be able to come up with the solution by themself alone, but it is equally important to let the team know problems do occur. Then we can come up with the answer together.
That’s it from me for now. Have a great week!
Tim
❤️ Interesting Things
🌊 Website - Indie Hacker. A online community for people to share their online project that can generate revenue. Getting inspiration on how to start and scale a lean online business. I probably spending too many hours here.
🎬 Video - This Laundromat Makes 3 Million Dollar. An interesting video explains how an entrepreneur builds a successful laundromat business with 3M USD revenue in the United States. You might think this is a small business, but the owner runs it like a factory. Every procedure, from collecting the clothes from the customer to delivering them back to the customer's home, has its SOP (standard operation procedure).
They also provide full service on the laundromat, instead of a self-service laundromat where customers need to do it all by themselves. Their company help customer handle everything. Customers only put dirty clothes in a laundry bag outside their homes. A few days later, the washed clothes will be returned and folded.
Website teaching you how to run laundromat business: Laundromat 101
📐 Article - How Linkedin Increased Notification Opt-in Rates by 500%. If you are the person who will opt-out notifications for mobile apps, this article is for you. Detailed explaining how Linkedin design their opt-in message in context, human, value and conversational aspect to trick you into opt-in their notification.
✍️ Quote of the week
‘So to be happy, Seligman suggests, focus on things you can control’
From The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Convey
Resurface by Readwise
Okay, that's it for now💛 . See you in the future!
