Speed up 95% of decisions

Slow down the 5%, maybe even 2.5%, that really matter

Stuff I should have slowed down -- and gotten more feedback on:

#1. Reacting to big customer issues

Take the time to understand >really< what the issues are

#2. Hiring any VP not 95% sure about

You feel you just have to make the hire.

But it's always better to spend one more planning session together.

And to talk to the 1-2 people they plan to bring with them.

#3. Picking an M&A option (and often, a VC fund)

M&A offers and VC offers seem to often have tight time limits on them

But it's totally OK to just say, "We love you. I just need more time."

Just say that if you aren't 98% sure

#4. Resolving founder conflict

A lot of founder conflict just can't be resolved. But some can. Get help. Get a trusted third party to help. Say sorry.

You can always resolve it better if you recognize it quickly -- but you take your time calmly on the actions.

#5. Agreeing on 1.0 release spec

There's plenty of time to iterate & evolve your product.

But if the founding team can't 100% agree on the 1.0 spec, goals, & target personas ... slow it down

Slow it down until you are at least aligned here

Even if it all changes down the road