Articles by Dave Girouard
A Founder's Guide to Writing WellDave provides advise on business writing style, including: 1. Use short, simple words. 2. Let your verbs do the work. 3. Eliminate a̶l̶l̶ unnecessary words. 4. Use simple verb tenses. 5. Avoid the passive tense.
- Speed as a Habit
Dave argues that success in business boils down to speed - "fastest company in any market will win." He then explains the building blocks of speed: • Making decisions: The speed of decision-making matters, and consensus should not hold you hostage • Executing decisions: Challenge due dates by asking, "Why can't this be done sooner?", and consistently message that today is better that tomorrow, and right now is better than six hours from now • Other execution tips include: recognize and remove dependencies, eliminate cognitive overload, use competition the right way, and rally support for decisions
- How Does Your Leadership Team Rate?
Dave describes the 6 criteria he uses to review the performance of executives / department leaders: 1. I have a high degree of confidence that [your function] will consistently execute well. 2. You have the skills, commitment, and leadership necessary to lead your team for the company we aim to be in two years. 3. You’re chronically discontent with where the company and your department is today. 4. You exercise great judgement and wisdom when it comes to what’s critical to our business. 5. You have a paranoia and sense of urgency matching my own. 6. I’d trust you to meet one-on-one with our most critical constituencies on the most difficult topics.
- Speed as a Habit
Dave argues that success in business boils down to speed - "fastest company in any market will win." He then explains the building blocks of speed: • Making decisions: The speed of decision-making matters, and consensus should not hold you hostage • Executing decisions: Challenge due dates by asking, "Why can't this be done sooner?", and consistently message that today is better that tomorrow, and right now is better than six hours from now • Other execution tips include: recognize and remove dependencies, eliminate cognitive overload, use competition the right way, and rally support for decisions