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.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F93765d6f-0c94-4a89-9f99-95a707407050_1170x534.png)
👭 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.
![](https://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/w_1456,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fbucketeer-e05bbc84-baa3-437e-9518-adb32be77984.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fffe27229-018d-4ec9-a2b6-6794c3496f95_1408x708.png)
I hope this was useful, have a great weekend!
Fabrice
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Hand-picked by Fabrice, a UK-based consulting CTO. Let me know if you need help with your startup!