The foundation of everything

The picture was taken in Brijuni National Park. Here we can talk about foundations…

We can talk about project management methodologies and development processes, but we must not forget that those are made for people and used by people. 

Any methodology's success depends on its clarity, but it depends on people using it even more. I believe that a group of people who respect each other and commit to the same goal can succeed with any methodology.

So before discussing the optimal ways of working, let us talk about values.

Many years ago, I worked for a Swedish retailer where I was in charge of the IT software department. For almost two years, we didn't lose any single employee. I got curious why, so we gathered for a workshop, where I asked everybody a few questions: Why do you like to work here? What are we doing right? 

Usually, you get invited to this kind of workshop where things are going wrong, but I like to do things differently.

The meeting resulted in something we called "department framework" - a very concrete set of values that we recognised in our organisation. We were not just talking; we were living according to those things. They are still my big inspiration, and I often return to them.

So, now when we were about to start a company in Croatia, these ideas were a big inspiration for us when we compiled our foundation of values, which we call The Sprend Manifesto.

Here is what we at Sprend believe is needed for people to achieve miracles:

Tolerance - Treat each other with respect and tolerance. People are different, and nobody is perfect.

Responsibility - Take responsibility for the consequences of your actions, choices, and commitments.

Fearlessness - Dare to discuss problems instead of pretending that problems don't exist.

Proudness - Believe that your colleagues go to work every day with the intention to produce great stuff that they can be proud of.

Leadership - Realise that it is not possible to require great results from people, but it is possible to motivate them to achieve miracles.

Respect - Respect yours colleague's private life and family life. They choose how much and what they want to share.  

And to all of you guys that worked with me for a big Swedish retailer, thank you for helping me to become a better leader and a better human being. You know who you are.