How to work asynchronously
21 tacit rules
One of the special things about our startup is that we embrace asynchronous work. This is because our team of 10 is spread across 6 countries, 3 continents, and 5 time zones. Partly because of circumstances and partly because of choice, such an arrangement may seem like a less than ideal way to launch a company. However, there are several advantages: we are free can hire from a global talent pool, team members can live where they like, and we are positioned to serve a global customer base 24 / 7.
To kick of 2021, I reflected on what our startup has done to make asynchronous creative work successful and came up with tacit 21 rules that have been engrained in our culture.
In short, they are:
- Be Optimistic
- Be Flexible
- Be Asynchronous
- Be family friendly
- Create the conditions to work in zone
- Trust the Team
- Show early
- Disagree openly
- Make other successful
- No Managers
- No Set hours
- No Meetings
- No Vacation Tracking
- No need to work in office
- Encourage small teams
- Encourage side projects
- Encourage learning
- Encourage Networking
- Avoid burnout
- Push for happiness
In extended form, they are:
1. Be Optimistic
Optimism helps the team new opportunities, learn from any situations, and keep moving.
2. Be Flexible
Embrace the fact everyone has a different work style where they most productive
3. Be Asynchronous
Organize tasks in a way that people can work together without being in constant communication.
4. Be Family Friendly
No need to ask permission to pick up your kids from school or attend a medical appointment.
5. Work in Zone
Tasks like coding or writing requires deep concentration. Create an environment that minimizes distractions.
6. Trust the Team
Enough said.
7. Show early
If you have a new idea, share with the team early on.
8. Disagree openly
Feel free to say no to new ideas. Don’t take it personally if you are on the other end.
9. Make other successful
Everyone on the team must be both a teacher and a learner.
10. No Managers
Everyone on the team must be self-initiated and ask for help when needed.
11. No Set hours
Start work at 4am? Fine! Someone on the team will be awake.
12. No Meetings
Try to minimize where possible.
13. No Vacation Tracking
Allow team-members the chance to work remotely in different locations.
14. No need to work in office
Some people concentrate better in a cafe, or at home.
15. No skunking
If you are having a bad day (hey we are all human after all), do not take it out on others.
16. Encourage Small teams
Create separate chats for small teams. Shuffle teams so everyone gets to work with each-other.
17. Encourage side projects
Fun side-projects feed inspiration and future inventions.
18. Encourage self-learning
Honing your ability to think makes you a deadly team member
19. Encourage Networking
Everyone’s personal and professional network is a valuable asset to a startup
20. Avoid burnout
At all costs.
21. Push for happiness
Why are in a startup in the first place?
