Communication manifesto in product development

1. Disclaimer

Anyone can refer to this manifesto. It is not legally binding; rather, the manifesto shall be applied on a daily basis.

2. Communication / Discussion

• I communicate openly and honestly.
• I treat everyone one equally and respectfully.
• I welcome discussions because different opinions lead to better solutions.
• I consider input and solution suggestions independently of hierarchy and do not regard them as absolute. Even if the wording isn’t perfect.
• I always assume give the sender the benefit of the doubt, as everyone strives to make a constructive contribution, even if it may not look that way to me.
• I give direct and constructive feedback if I find somebody’s way of communicating inappropriate.
• I think about the message I want to convey and how the recipient's interests may differ from mine. Only afterwards do I come come up with the wording to suit the target group.
• I avoiding rash judgements based on first impressions.
• I try to avoid discussing the same things over and over again if ...
  - ... this is unlikely to add value.
  - ... the decision resulting from the discussion only has limited effects.

3. Decisions

• I can't be involved in all decision making. However, I assume that other people’s decisions are just as well thought through as my own and will produce positive changes.
• When I make a decision, ...
  - ... it’s sustainable in terms of striking the perfect balance between economic efficiency and long-term stability.
  - ... I back it up with a sensible and comprehensible reason.
  - ... I make sure I can implement it with my own resources.
  - ... and later realise it was wrong, I stand by it and am not afraid to revise the decision.