I can’t decide if I’m writing to makers-of-software, product folks, people leaders, business folks, or coaches. I should choose, for marketing purposes, but I really don’t want to. I have stood at the intersection for a long time and I like playing translator. In fact, if I can pull it off, I would like to build bridges between these groups.
I understand you may not be interested in all these roles or perspectives, so I have created different sections that you can toggle on or off here: https://erikalenz.substack.com/account. If you do nothing, you’ll receive all posts for your subscription level.
Before I go, there are a few things I want to say to each of you.
Software folks:
I love your brilliant minds, and you have taught me so much about relationships. The people stuff is within your grasp. You’re not crazy. Thank you for being so honest. Oh, and walk away from the screen sometimes. The natural world is filled with weird and marvelous things.
Product folks:
Your jobs are fascinating to me. I’m not a product expert, so I don’t understand all of it. But I do notice a couple of things: 1) You often underestimate software folks because you’re not patient enough to listen, and 2) You’re dealing with so much complexity that it’s hard to listen to things that seem tangential. Ask for help. You don’t need to do it all. Lean into the people around you.
Business folks and people leaders:
There are ways to feel whole in a world that incentivizes you to push others and worry about outside appearances. You’re in the middle of a fascinating human dance called capitalism. You understand it better than the other people here, so please be a generous translator. That said, don’t take it too seriously—it’s all going to be different next quarter. Take human connection and creativity seriously. The payoff is greater.
Coaches (including Scrum Masters):
You are a little bit crazy to think that you should dedicate your life to helping others. It’s hard, mostly thankless work. People will literally try to get you fired. To do the work well, you have to undo many of your ways of thinking that make you feel cool, important, effective, and smart. Your ego is your client’s enemy. Yes, this remains true even if all you’re coaching is agile techniques. That said, you’re brave as f*ck and I admire you. Thanks for being my tribe.
Be the Rosetta Stone!
bridge-building every time! I look forward to it all!