The debate over remote work is settled. The best engineering talent is distributed globally. However, simply allowing people to work from home is not a remote strategy -- it's an abdication of culture to the default.
The Async-First Advantage
Synchronous communication is the enemy of deep work. If a decision doesn't require real-time interaction, it should happen in writing. Implement a clear communication hierarchy: long-form in docs, project updates in Linear/Jira, quick questions in Slack.
One critical rule: if a decision isn't documented, it didn't happen. Every meaningful decision must be written down in a canonical location.
Documentation as Infrastructure
Every team needs four types of documentation: architectural decision records, runbooks, onboarding guides, and living API docs. Documentation should be part of the definition of done for every project.
| Tool | Category | Price/mo | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| Linear | Issue Tracking | $8 | Speed, developer love |
| Notion | Documentation | $10 | All-in-one workspace |
Measuring Output, Not Input
Use OKRs or V2MOMs to define success by outcomes, not activities. Weekly check-ins should focus on: what you accomplished, what's next, and what's blocking you.
Intentional Connection
Schedule regular 1:1s focused on the person, not the work. Team rituals matter: weekly show-and-tells, monthly tech talks, quarterly hack weeks. Bring the team together physically 2-3 times per year.
