C-CLEC

(SEE-CLEC) • Our Way of Working

Seek Clarity First. Execute With Leverage.
C
Step 1

CLARIFY

Before You Start • Use DECCS

Document clarity first. Define problem, outcome, constraints, metrics, and owner. Use DECCS framework. No undocumented work allowed.

🛡️
Chaos Prevention System
Follow these steps to prevent internal chaos
1
Document
Clarify Phase
❌
Lack of Clarity
Use DECCS to document early, clearly, communicate & standardize
❌
Communication Breakdowns
Don't make assumptions - Ask questions, seek clarity, verify understanding
❌
Prioritization & Alignment Problems
Define WIGs and success criteria upfront before any work begins

Key Questions

  • What problem are we solving and why does it matter?
  • What does success look like (metrics & outcomes)?
  • What are the constraints (time, budget, compliance)?
  • Who owns this and who needs to be involved?
  • Is this documented in DECCS format?
Database Migration Example
DECCS Documentation Created: Define: PostgreSQL hitting 80% capacity, queries >500ms
Expectation: Sub-100ms queries, 99.9% uptime, ≤6 weeks
Constraints: $500K budget, zero downtime requirement
Criteria: 4x faster queries, documented playbook
Stakeholders: Engineering (owner), Finance, Customer Success
C
Step 2

CHALLENGE

The Requirement

Challenge necessity. Simplify ruthlessly. Is this needed? Can it be simpler? Has this been done? Question similar outcomes before committing.

🛡️
Chaos Prevention System
Follow these steps to prevent internal chaos
2
Discuss
Challenge Phase
❌
Wasted Effort
Challenge with data - Validate necessity, compare alternatives, question assumptions with evidence
❌
Lack of Customer Obsession
Challenge from customer lens - Question assumptions, test hypotheses, question if simpler solution exists
3
Feedback
Challenge Phase
❌
Wasted Effort
Challenge with data - Get feedback early to validate direction before investing heavily
❌
Lack of Customer Obsession
Challenge from customer lens - Gather feedback to ensure solving real problems

Key Questions

  • Is this initiative necessary? What if we don't do it?
  • Does the projected ROI justify the cost?
  • Is there a simpler solution we're missing?
  • What are the risks and compliance considerations?
  • Are we aligned with strategic priorities?
Database Migration Example
Challenge Questions Asked: • Can we optimize PostgreSQL first instead?
• Is the database actually the bottleneck?
• Can we add a caching layer instead? Options Analysis: Option A: Optimize current database → $5K, 2 weeks
Option B: Add Redis caching → $3K/month, 3 weeks
Option C: Full migration → $80K + $7K/month, 6 months Decision: Try Option A first (lowest risk, fastest validation)
L
Step 3

LEVERAGE

Before You Build • Use D.I.D + Working Genius

Use existing systems, proven solutions, and past work first. Leverage people's Working Genius types, AI, and proven patterns. Create 10x output for 1x input.

🛡️
Chaos Prevention System
Follow these steps to prevent internal chaos
2
Discuss
Leverage Phase
❌
Competency Issues
Using Working Geniuses - Align tasks with strengths, invest in training & development
❌
Wasted Effort (Rebuilding)
Apply D.I.D Framework - Start with Data, generate Ideas from existing solutions, Design using proven patterns

Key Questions

  • Has someone solved this before?
  • Can we buy, partner, or acquire instead of build?
  • How can AI and automation accelerate this?
  • Who has the right skills (Working Genius) for this?
  • What's the 10x approach vs. the 1x approach?
Database Migration Example
10x Thinking Applied: ❌ Self-managed migration: 24 weeks, $800K
✅ Managed service (AWS Aurora): 6 weeks, $500K Leverage Strategy: • Use AWS Migration Service (proven tool)
• Study how Stripe migrated (proven playbook)
• Use AI to generate migration scripts
• Phased approach: Analytics → Users → Transactions Result: 4x faster delivery, 40% cost savings
E
Step 4

EXECUTE

Fast With Discipline • 4 Energies & 4DX

Speed with discipline. Identify the right energy type (Activation, Sustaining, Restorative, Breakthrough). Short cycles, tight deadlines, visible progress, daily alignment. No silent blockers.

🛡️
Chaos Prevention System
Follow these steps to prevent internal chaos
4
Update
Execute Phase
❌
Process Gaps
Embrace Kaizen - Define, Measure, and Improve all processes continuously
❌
Prioritization & Alignment Problems
Follow 4DX - Focus on WIGs, Lead Measures, Scoreboards, Accountability
❌
Communication Breakdowns
Don't make assumptions - Communicate blockers immediately, verify understanding
❌
Lack of Follow-Through
Close every loop - Finish what you start, meet all DoD criteria, don't leave work 90% complete

Execution Practices

  • Use checklists for complex tasks
  • Apply 4DX: WIGs, lead measures, scoreboard, accountability
  • Match tasks to 4 Energies (Activation, Sustaining, Restorative, Breakthrough)
  • Communicate blockers immediately
  • Maintain visible progress dashboards
Database Migration Example
Phase 1: Analytics Database (Week 1-2) Low risk → Validate the approach Phase 2: User Database (Week 3-4) Medium risk → Run dual-write for 1 week Phase 3: Transactions Database (Week 5-6) High risk → Comprehensive staging tests first Daily Activities: • Monitor latency, error rates, costs
• Update team scoreboard
• Tested rollback plan ready at all times
C
Step 5

CLOSE

The Loop • Compound Intelligence

Work is done when: delivered, verified, accepted, documented, and lessons captured. Close the loop to compound organizational intelligence.

🛡️
Chaos Prevention System
Follow these steps to prevent internal chaos
5
File
Close Phase
❌
Lack of Follow-Through
Close every loop - Finish what you start, meet all DoD criteria, don't leave work 90% complete
❌
Process Gaps
Close with Kaizen mindset - Document what worked, what didn't, improve the process
6
Share
Close Phase
❌
Process Gaps
Share knowledge - Compound organizational intelligence by sharing lessons learned
❌
Lack of Follow-Through
Complete the cycle - Work isn't done until knowledge is shared with the team

Closing Checklist

  • Is the Definition of Done (DoD) met?
  • Is everything documented in DECCS format?
  • Have we captured lessons learned?
  • Have stakeholders accepted the deliverable?
  • Is there a handoff plan if applicable?
Database Migration Example
Completed & Verified: ✓ All 3 database phases migrated successfully
✓ Performance: 200ms → 45ms (4.4x improvement)
✓ Old database decommissioned after 30-day monitoring Documentation Created: ✓ Complete migration playbook in DECCS
✓ Runbooks for common operations
✓ Troubleshooting guides Key Lesson Captured: "Phased migrations reduce risk by 10x compared to big-bang cutover" Knowledge Compound: Next database migration will take 3 weeks instead of 6
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Continuous cycle • Every completion feeds the next beginning

At Fincra, we succeed by two commandments: Seek Clarity First. Then Execute With Leverage.