This is the heart of Basic Concepts. A growing collection of reflections, insights, and practical tools. All written to help you move well through complex systems. Use what fits. Leave the rest. Start anywhere. Or start with Basic Concept #3: Not everything matters.
Basic Concept #47: Always Be Open to New Things
Being stuck doesn’t always feel like being stuck. Sometimes it feels like comfort. Familiar tools,…
Basic Concept #40: You Don’t Have to Go Fast, But You Do Have to Move
The Architecture Decision That Taught Me Patience I learned this lesson during one of the…
Basic Concept #46: Clean Up the Mess That You Make
It’s easy to say: “That wasn’t my intention.” It’s harder to say: “That’s on me.”…
Basic Concept #50: Ask Questions, Don’t Just Give Answers
Your team member is struggling with a challenge. You can see the solution clearly. You…
Basic Concept #25: There Can Only Be One Owner
Ownership sounds good on paper. Everyone agrees it matters. But in practice, it’s one of…
Basic Concept #34: Communicate
You can’t do good work in silence. You might think your intentions are clear. That…
Basic Concept #42: Don’t Confuse Drama with Urgency
The Crisis That Wasn’t I learned this lesson during what should have been a straightforward…
Basic Concept #20: The Three Musketeers (Proxy Objections)
Not every objection is what it seems. Sometimes the person speaking isn’t the source, they’re…
Basic Concept #57: Roles Are Not Ranks
The junior developer has a better understanding of the technical architecture than the senior manager….