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Collaborative Governance at amazee.io#

At amazee.io, we believe in a transparent, inclusive, and agile approach to decision-making. Our governance model ensures that everyone affected by a decision is either directly or indirectly involved in the process. This fosters collaboration, innovation, and accountability. Here’s an overview of how we work together to make decisions and govern effectively.

We make decisions that are good enough for now and safe enough to try, encouraging a culture where everyone feels comfortable raising potential objections at any time.

Key Principles:

Consent: Giving consent means the absence of objections, not unanimous agreement. This ensures we can move forward without being blocked by disagreements.

Implicit Contract of Consent: In the absence of objections to an agreement, I intend to follow through on the agreement to the best of my ability. I agree to share objections as I become aware of them.

Objections: Objections highlight unintended consequences we want to avoid or suggest worthwhile improvements.

Having no objection means: - The proposal doesn’t harm the organization. - No immediate, significant improvements can be made. - It doesn’t conflict with existing agreements. - It is good enough for now and safe enough to try.

The Process:

  1. Present the Proposal: Share the proposal and ensure it is accessible for review before discussions.
  2. Clarify Questions: Address questions to establish a common understanding.
  3. Brief Response: Allow participants to express initial reactions.
  4. Invite Objections: Ask for objections explicitly.
  5. Resolve Objections: Amend the proposal collaboratively to address concerns.
  6. Document: Record the decision and communicate it across the organization.
  7. Celebrate: Acknowledge and celebrate the decision-making success.
  8. Consider Concerns: Document any concerns raised for future reviews.

For a deeper dive, refer to this resource on Consent Decision Making.

Delegate Circles#

Delegate Circles bring representatives from multiple workstreams together to govern cross-functional decisions effectively. Participation is mandatory to ensure all teams are represented.

Duties:

  • Handle decisions within their accountability.
  • Ensure decisions are transparent and communicated company-wide.
  • Assign and coordinate operational tasks for implementation.

Decision-Making Process:

  • Discussions often happen in smaller working groups to reduce the burden on the whole circle.
  • Proposals are presented for consent decision-making.

Initiative Circles#

Initiative Circles focus on cross-team topics or long-term initiatives, such as documentation standards or organizational development. Unlike Delegate Circles, participation is voluntary.

Structure:

  • Self-organized teams meet regularly or as needed.
  • Transparent task backlogs and meeting minutes are maintained.
  • Decisions are made inclusively, involving affected teams or Delegate Circles as needed.

Creating an Initiative Circle:

  1. Create a wiki page and Slack channel.
  2. Announce the circle in the appropriate communication channels.
  3. Define the mission and document it.

Leads Circle#

The Leads Circle governs how amazee.io operates, addressing cross-workstream processes, culture, and communication.

Members:

  • Workstream Leads
  • Management Members
  • HR Manager

Responsibilities:

  • Manage cross-workstream processes.
  • Escalate and resolve tensions between teams.

Product Circle#

The Product Circle governs what services we offer and how they are priced.

Responsibilities:

  • Define product strategies.
  • Align with market trends and customer demands.
  • Determine product pricing and SLAs.

Members:

  • Delegates from each workstream
  • Management Members

Resolving Objections#

Objections are seen as opportunities to improve proposals and agreements.

Resolution Strategies:

  • Revise Content: Adjust the proposal collaboratively.
  • Shorten the Term: Trial the proposal for a limited time and review its impact.
  • Measure the Concern: Implement monitoring to assess the objection’s validity.

Info

At amazee.io, governance is not just about making decisions; it’s about fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement. By joining our team, you’ll be part of an organization that values transparency and empowers every individual to contribute to our shared success.