Translate requests into problems
“Add a dashboard” is a solution. “Operators cannot see why jobs fail within five minutes” is a problem. Engineers who restate requests as problems unlock better options.
Define done with outcomes
Ship criteria should include a measurable outcome: reduced support tickets, faster activation, fewer incidents. If success is only “merged to main,” the feature is unfinished.
Offer a smaller path
Saying no without a next step stalls teams. Propose a thinner slice that validates the riskiest assumption first.
