Prepare 10 deep questions before any coffee chat — converts pleasantries to relationship.

Per task: essential? Delete rest.

Before any big decision, write 5 assumptions you relied on — test the weakest.

Vanity metric always grows and unaffected by decisions — harmful because feels like success.

Dedicate five full days for a focused team to solve one problem at the root — not an hour-a-week meeting for months.

Say firm "no" with warm "I understand" — Janet Lansbury's classic formula.

Offer only two choices for each small decision — respecting his autonomy without losing yours.