Hi there! I'm Shrijith Venkatrama, the founder of Hexmos. Right now, I’m building LiveAPI, a super-convenient tool that simplifies engineering workflows by generating awesome API docs from your code in minutes.
I've been putting consistent efforts towards "Making Hexmos Work" for almost 4 years now.
While there are always tasks I am focused on getting done, every once in a while, I take a bit of a breather (like for a few minutes, sometimes even half an hour!).
Moments of Stillness
What do I do when I get a moment of stillness?
I recollect and recite for myself what great teachers from many walks of life and human achievement have said.
I'd like to think all my efforts are fueled by the kindness and generosity of those who came before us.
In particular, I am grateful to those who have left valuable writings—contributing to the long journey of humanity.
Of the many teachers whose words and inspiration I rely on daily, Adm. Rickover's life history is of great importance to me.
In this post, I will summarize the ideas from one of Rickover's speeches (now turned into an essay) aptly titled "Doing a Job."
You can read it in full here or just pursue my reflections below.
Key Lessons from "Doing a Job"
1. The Power of People
Anything that ever gets done, gets done through people.
Give responsibility to people, give opportunity to people. Focus on the individual.
2. The Need for Never-Ending Challenges
Work must never end. If we work well, our contributions will serve humanity even after we're physically no more.
3. Organizations Should Develop People, Not Limit Them
The organization should be a place of growth. Limiting people or not developing their potential is a big no-no in Rickover’s book.
4. Initiative in Complex Jobs
The more complex the job, the greater the initiative required.
Counter-intuitively, people think high-complexity jobs need more rules, but in reality, they demand high responsibility and initiative.
Think of a surgeon or a nuclear scientist—discipline and intelligence must be beautifully blended.
5. Teach People to Care About Their Work
We must work for the long term and see projects through to completion.
6. Promote Your Work, Not Yourself
Don't work to promote yourself—instead, own the work and always push it to higher standards.
7. Fix Problems, No Matter How Uncomfortable
Try to highlight what's wrong, propose fixes, and put them into action.
A leader must take responsibility—there's no room for excuses.
8. Responsibility Must Be Clearly Defined
Who gets blamed when an initiative fails? If many people are responsible, then in reality, no one is.
9. Unshakable Determination & Impatience for Action
Even simple problems can take enormous effort to overcome. One must persevere.
10. Beware of Lofty Ideals Without Execution
Without taking care of details, complex projects cannot succeed.
Develop a habit of deep dives—emerging more knowledgeable each time.
11. Train Teams in Clear Thinking & Communication
A team that is competent in thinking, speaking, and writing can scale while still functioning efficiently.
12. You Get What You Inspect, Not What You Expect
The quality of work is only as good as the inspection and checking standards.
13. Guard Against Unwarranted Optimism
Respect reality. When facts go against your previous work, abandon it, change course, and adjust.
Sometimes, this means "killing your own child", but it must be done.
14. Leaders Must Work Extra Hard
Without dedication, one becomes a leader in title only, not in practice.
Be personally responsible first.
15. Beware of Easy-Sounding Business Education
Any shortcut that distances you from reality can lead you astray.
Stay vigorously close to reality at all times.
These lessons are timeless and apply across industries and disciplines. What stood out the most to you?
Would love to hear your thoughts!
Top comments (1)
These are great, thanks for sharing.
Loved this