Deep Dive
What does the end-of-year period look like at 37signals?
The end-of-year period is unstructured and informal, allowing employees to work on self-directed projects, bug fixes, and tying up loose ends. It’s a time for cleaning up and preparing for the new year to start fresh in January.
Why do 37signals prioritize a clean start in January?
January is the busiest time of the year for their products, as many customers use it to organize their goals and projects. Starting the year with a clean slate ensures they can hit the ground running without lingering tasks from the previous year.
How does 37signals handle planning during the end-of-year period?
Planning during this period is informal and self-directed. Employees are encouraged to explore their interests and work on smaller, less ambitious projects without strict deadlines or coordination.
What are some examples of projects that have emerged during the end-of-year period?
Past projects include the development of Kamal (a deployment tool), the design of Stimulus (a JavaScript framework), and exploring new technologies like AI. These projects often start as wandering explorations without a specific goal.
How does the end-of-year period benefit 37signals?
It provides a contrast to the highly planned six-week cycles, allowing for creativity, exploration, and the completion of smaller tasks. This period of wandering helps identify new ideas and opportunities for the upcoming year.
What is the role of 'wandering' during the end-of-year period?
Wandering involves exploring ideas, technologies, and projects without a strict plan. It allows employees to clear their plates, reflect, and discover new opportunities or improvements that can be pursued in the new year.
How does 37signals approach the transition into the new year?
The transition is seen as a shift into a new chapter rather than a fresh start. They prepare by cleaning up loose ends and transitioning from exploratory R&D mode to production mode, where they focus on executing new products and ideas.
What is the significance of the 'junk drawer' analogy for the end-of-year period?
The 'junk drawer' represents the unstructured time at the end of the year where employees can address smaller tasks, pet projects, and bug fixes that have been lingering throughout the year. It’s a time to clean up and prepare for the next cycle.
How does the end-of-year period reflect 37signals' philosophy on work?
It reflects their belief in balancing highly structured cycles with unstructured, creative periods. This approach allows for both productivity and innovation, ensuring that the company remains dynamic and adaptable.
- End-of-year period is unstructured and informal.
- Focuses on bug fixes, self-directed work, and tying up loose ends.
- Prepares for the busy first quarter of the new year.
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