The 5-Minute Startup CTO #34
Product rebuilds, One-on-ones, Strategy inputs
Here are your picks for this week:
⌨️ If it ain’t code, don’t fix it
Most startups have to deal with legacy software - either from a system inherited from a previous project or from having to build on quick prototypes / MVPs / version 0.1s saddled with compromises. So how do you get on and re-build your product quickly without impacting users?
Nicolas Carlo recommends ‘strangling the legacy system’: setup a proxy and gradually replace parts of the old system with your new code, behind the scenes. Which makes a lot of sense and mirrors some personal experience.
👭 It’s all about People
One-on-ones are now well established as an essential element of any manager’s toolbox. So, how do you actually do good 1-on-1s?
First Round review put together a great collection of articles and recommendations on that topic, from Rands’ seminal blog post to taking notes, using empathy and asking the right questions. Well worth a read.
🔄 Process makes perfect
Following on last issue’s topic of strategic debt, Nathan Baschez highlights a common mistake in strategic thinking: spending too much time refining the strategy without having focused on the ‘inputs’ first.
I hope this was useful, have a great weekend!
Fabrice
The 5-Minute Startup CTO: every Sunday, 3 top insights in 5 minutes for startup CTOs and Tech Leads. Subscribe for free below, and share! 🙏
Hand-picked by Fabrice, a UK-based consulting CTO. Let me know if you need help with your startup!