Efficiency Value Questions

[MVeronica]

1. How do we work with constraints?

Some changes will happen as Moralis grows and develops into something bigger, but that doesn’t mean that we should automatically accept all change passively. The basic values and communication style already set up a great foundation for us to move smoothly forward, and that’s why it’s important to remain conscious of these values.

At Moralis, we should limit ourselves to healthy constraints, which means limiting ourselves only when it’s absolutely necessary. For example, some devs might not be able to deal directly with the users, or customer support might not be able to code for the projects we work on, but still, we should strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as we can so that we can operate as efficiently as in Day One

2. Why is writing down things important?

Funny that you guys have the saying about pencils because my grandma used to always say that there’s no better memory than pen and paper

So we document everything because that way it’s more efficient to save and review that info later, and we can also let others contribute and help us improve.

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?

Boring solutions are simple solutions using already established and popular tech. Guess like a version similar to KISS (Keep It Simple, Sweet one ).

The innovation and therefore complexity that is inherent to Moralis would only benefit (aka make our work easier and therefore, more efficient) if we try to keep things simple.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?

We should search for our own answers and learn by ourselves first. If that doesn’t work, we can always ask without feeling bad about it (low level of shame). Then we can write about it so that anyone who might be in the same or a similar position down the line can see what worked for us.

5. How do we value each others’ time?

Instead of asking that others ask us for permission, we should trust their judgment and offer to consult along the way if there are any doubts. We should value others’ time, as we would like them to value ours. Meetings should be avoided, but if there is one, they should be optional for as many people as possible. Meetings should have a clear itinerary or goal displayed on the invite, and we should document the outcome once it’s completed.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?

Because everything around us is constantly and rapidly changing nowadays. It’s only the companies that manage to cope with these changes, that become the leading, most successful ones in their markets. But there could also be changes within the company, like if we get changed from one team to the next, or get a new project, or a new manager… Even though that might feel strange to some extent and for some people more than others, we could still be aware of our mindset and strive to embrace the positive aspects of change because it can also bring many positive things if we have the right attitude towards it.

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?

This is also a concept I was familiar with previously because one of my university teachers used to say that we’re the CEOs of our own lives and the decisions that we make. In that same way, everyone at Moralis should be the manager or the CEO themselves, even if they don’t manage anyone else at the office.

[RussellChoudhury]

1. How do we work with constraints?

• Only healthy constraints that are absolutely necessary are implemented
• We want to maintain the agility of a startup even as we grow
• Reduce bureaucracy as much as possible

2. Why is writing down things important?

• So that we can document everything, and make is available across the team
• ‘The faintest pencil is better than the sharpest memory’
• It is more efficient to read a document at your convenience than having to ask and explain
• Also allows everyone to contribute and suggest improvements

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?

• Boring should not be conflated with bad or tech debt
• We prefer the simplest and most boring solution for a problem
• Speed of innovation is constrained by the total complexity, so every reduction in complexity helps
• Don’t pick interesting tech just to make your work more fun. Using established popular tech will ensure stability and a more familiar experience for the team.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?

• first search for your own answers
• if not found or not clear, ask in public with a low level of shame
• Write down any new information discovered so that those coming after will have better efficiency

5. How do we value each others’ time?

• consider the time investment you are asking others to make
• try avoid meetings, if it is necessary, try make attendance optional
• rather than having people ask permission, trust their judgment and offer consultation if they have questions.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?

• most successful companies adapt their roadmap and their organisations quickly
• adoption of features, user requirements, and competitive landscapes change frequently and we much embrace them
• this may lead to changing teams, subjects and managers
• So we must embrace positive aspects of change, as opportunity and as new things to learn
• This allows us to move mast as a company, greatly increases odds of success

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?

• Even if you are not managing others, you are always managing yourself

[alireza_nabati]

1. How do we work with constraints?

“We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are absolutely necessary.”

2. Why is writing down things important?

it is far more efficient to read a document at your convenience than to have to ask and explain.

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?

boring solutions don’t have any complexity and they must not conflate with technical depts.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?

we are living in a decade in which you can learn anything new in your comfort place and there are tons of places to search for our problems. In the first place, we should not waste our other team member’s time to resolving our problems.

5. How do we value each other’s time?

avoid meeting as much as possible and make attendants optional.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?

because we are living in a fast pace environment and everything gets deprecated soon

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?

the most important person to manage is ourself even we are managing other persons too

[Synthesi]

1. We must understand that constraints have the potential to limit progress, therefore, when implementing restraints do so from a place of necessity. This will ensure efficiency it maintained at an optimal level.

2. Writing things down is valuable because it allows future access and accountability.

3. A boring solution is one that is implemented in the most basic way possible. Boring solutions are optimal because additional complexity only serves to add constraint to progress.

4. Self-service and self-learning should always be the goal, this serves efficiency well. It also fosters growth and learning.

5. Valuing others time is about taking the steps necessary prior to involving them, consider if they need to be involved or if you can handle it yourself in an efficient manner.

6. Embracing change provides growth not only for self but for the business as a whole. To survive we must grow, to grow we must change, to change is to become better.

7. This concept revolves around the idea that regardless of your management position within the company you are always responsible for managing yourself at a bare minimum.

[Kevin_Lee25]

1. We use constraints to increase efficiency but only healthy and necessary ones.
2. We are humans - relying solely on our memory is a risk. Documenting everything also allows for collaboration and innovation.
3. Less is more. The less complexities we can have the quicker we can get to the results we want. It also makes life more enjoyable
4. You’re doing yourself and others a disservice by asking for answers versus seeking them out yourself. Once you’ve found the answer you’re looking for, compound that learning by documenting it for future seekers. This will exponentially grow your understanding of the subject and help a fellow teammate in the future.
5. Be very intentional with meetings by being highly selective of participants and provide clear objectives prior. Lastly, allow others to opt out if they see fit.
6. In a disruptive arena, change comes fast. The quicker we embrace change and see the positive opportunity ahead, the more likely we’ll grow and succeed.
7. Even though you’re not managing others, you should be managing yourself. No one should care about yourself more than you.

[Adrienn_Rimbauer]

How do we work with constraints?
We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are absolutely necessary. We strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible.
Why is writing down things important?
It is far more efficient to read a document at your convenience than to have to ask and explain. Having something in version control also lets everyone contribute suggestions to improve it.
What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
The speed of innovation for our organization and product is constrained by the total complexity we have added so far, so every little reduction in complexity helps. Don’t pick an interesting technology just to make your work more fun; using established, popular tech will ensure a more stable and more familiar experience for you and other contributors.
What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
Team members should first search for their own answers and, if an answer is not readily found or the answer is not clear, ask in public as we all should have a low level of shame (shame of asking). Write down any new information discovered and pay it forward so that those coming after will have better efficiency built on top of practicing collaboration, inclusion, and documenting the results.
How do we value each others’ time?
Try to avoid meetings, and if one is necessary, try to make attendance optional for as many people as possible. Instead of having people ask permission, trust their judgment and offer a consultation process if they have questions.
Why do we have to embrace change?
Adoption of features, user requirements, and the competitive landscape changes frequently and rapidly. The most successful companies adapt their roadmap and their organization quickly to keep pace.
7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?
Everyone at Moralis is expected to be a manager of one. Even if you are not managing other people - you always manage yourself.

[Cendy]

Only Healthy Constraints at Moralis
As Moralis grows, we are conscious of how we operate and how it enables our ability to continue to operate with the agility of a startup. We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are necessary. We strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible. This way we can keep operating efficiently.

The importance of writing things down
The faintest pencil is better than the sharpest memory. It is far more efficient to read a document at your convenience than to have to ask and explain. Having something in version control also lets everyone contribute suggestions to improve it.

Boring Solutions using established popular tech
The speed of innovation for our organization and product is constrained by the total complexity we have added so far, so every little reduction in complexity helps.

Self-service and self-learning
Look for clear answers, and write down any new information discovered for others to have better efficiency built on top of practicing collaboration, inclusion, and documenting the results.

Time is an investment any meeting should have an agenda linked to the invite, and you should document the outcome. Instead of having people ask permission, trust their judgment and offer a consultation process if they have questions.

How to embrace change. The adoption of features, user requirements, and the competitive landscape changes frequently and rapidly. If we coach ourselves to embrace the positive aspects of change, such as increased opportunity and new things to learn, we can move faster as a company and increase our odds of success.

The concept of the manager of one. Even if you are not managing other people - you always manage yourself.

[Aileen_Suarez]

1. We limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are necessary and reduce bureaucracy as much as possible so we could be efficient
2. Writing down things is important because it is efficient and allows us to have something in version control that lets everyone contribute suggestions to improve it
3. A boring solution is a simple solution that does not mean it’s bad or a technical dept. We prefer boring solutions because it doesn’t add complexity that would strain the speed of innovation.
4. It teaches us independence at the same time allowing us to reach out if needed. This way, it could also help add new information discovered that can be shared to the group.
5. We value each others time by considering the time investment we are asking others to make. Avoiding meetings if it’s not necessary and make attendance optional for as many people as possible.
6. We have to embrace change because everything around us is changing frequently and rapidly and most successful companies adapt their organizations quickly to keep pace.
7. The concept of “manager of one” is being a leader to one self and is being associated with our efficiency value.

[Jared_Murphy]

1. How do we work with constraints?
   We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints and reduce bureaucracy as much as possible in order to remain effienct.

2. Why is writing down things important?
   It is far more efficient to refer to a document instead of asking or repeating.

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
   A solution with minimal complexity. Every bit of complexity or introduction of obscure technology creates bloat and makes it more difficult for someone new to understand how the system operates.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
   Try to find answers ourselves before unashamedly asking in public. Document the result to save time of others who follow.

5. How do we value each others’ time?
   Make attendance optional for as many people as possible. Have a clear agenda. Allow for team members to take initiative rather than having them ask for permission.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?
   The competitive landscape changes quickly and we want to optimize our chances of success over the long run by being quick to pivot when the need is clear.

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?
   Everyone is responsible for managing their own lives, time and work.

[Alexandra_Ionescu]

1. Trying to have constraints only when necessary.
2. It’s better to have something written down (Notion, Git, personal notes etc), than not having anything written down and people forgetting about it.
3. Usually boring solutions are the easiest/ simplest ones.
4. It’s important to check firstly for a solution and only after that ask for guidance (if you can’t find a solution).
5. It’s better to avoid meetings, or make people optional, or record a session and share it with other colleagues, so we respect each other’s time.
6. Without embracing change, we can’t grow in a healthy way and adapt to the env around us and the needs of our customers.
7. We are our own managers, we need to be accountable and responsible for our work.

[george-cristian]

1. Moralis only limits itself to the necessary healthy constraints. They strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible, such that efficiency is increased.

2. Uff, writing things down is important for a bunch of things. First you do not clutter your head with information, such that you have more mental space to deal with creative things. Writing things down is also important for others to be able to read, and not bother other people with questions, and thus efficiency is increased. And also other people can contribute on the things which were written down.

3. A boring solution means the simplest and most efficient solution to the problem. We prefer boring solutions because unnecessary added complexity just slows down work.

4. Self-service and self-learning means that first an employee should search himself for the answer to his questions, and then if an answer is not found, ask it in public. Also, all the new information which was gathered should be documented such that the next people will have this information ready and don’t need to search again or waste time.

5. The value of time si achieved by not doing unnecessary meetings, and, if a meeting is required, try to invite as less people as possible. Also meetings should have a clear agenda such that they are efficient and no time is lost.

6. Change is needed in order to quickly adapt to the market and to deliver the most quality and value to customers. Especially in a startup, change is frequent, and the employees should be aware of this, and should be open to it, having in mind that they will grow and learn more.

7. Manager of one means that everyone is a manager. Even though you are not managing someone, you are still managing yourself which is as equally as important.

[jossif]

1. We don’t want to slow down over time. As Moralis grows, we are conscious of how we operate and how it enables our ability to continue to operate with the agility of a startup.
2. Because it is more efficient to write down and later read the notes than trying to remember or asking around.
3. Boring solutions are often the simple ones that work.
4. Try doing your own research before asking someone else. And always document so that the people after you will gain from your notes.
5. Avoid meetings if they aren’t 100% needed. Always include an agenda in the invite and dot down the outcome.
6. The most successful companies adapt their roadmap and their organization quickly to keep pace.
7. Everyone at Moralis is expected to be a manager of one.
   Even if you are not managing other people - you always manage yourself.

[FAmura]

1. How do we work with constraints?
   Limiting ourselves only to healthy contraints that are absolutely necessary. In such a way that can keep moralis operating at an efficient manner

2. Why is writing down things important?
   Because, memory wise, it is far more efficient to have things written down than having to remember them. And if we also have version control on them, it can be improved by anyone

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
   Because we are already in complex ecosystem, so we want to reduce as much complexity as possible. That way we get stable and familiar experiences in our work

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
   Everyone should first try to get answers themselves, but if that is not possible, then ask in public as any help will work and will help us share the answer for someone who gets by the same problem in the future

5. How do we value each others’ time?
   As it was our own, the same with money. There is no reward in spending resources that will not actually get the best results

6. Why do we have to embrace change?
   Because features, user requirements and landscape change frequently and rapidly. If we accept that and use it to our favor, we can increase our odds of success

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?
   Everyone manages themselves, as you are always responsible of your actions and tasks while also the owner of your success

[Alexlane8]

1. How do we work with constraints?
   We try to limit the constraints to only those absolutely necessary. We strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible.

2. Why is writing down things important?
   “The faintest pencil is better than the sharpest memory” It is more efficient to read a document at your convenience than to have to ask and explain. Having something in version control also lets everyone contribute suggestions to improve it.

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
   The speed of innovation for our organization and product is contained by the total complexity we have added so far, so every little reduction in complexity helps. Using established popular tech will ensure a more stable and more familiar experience for you and other contributors.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
   Team members should first search for their own answers and if an answer is not readily found, ask in public. Pay forward the information we know to those coming after us everyone will have better efficiency built on top of practicing collaboration, inclusion and documenting the results.

5. How do we value each others’ time?
   Consider the time investment you are asking others to make with meetings and a permission process. Try to avoid meetings, and if one is necessary, try to make attendance optional for as many people as possible. instead of having people ask permission, trust their judgement and offer a consultation process if they have questions.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?
   If we embrace the positive aspects of change, such as increased opportunity and new things to learn, we can move faster as a company and increase our odds of success. The most successful companies adapt their roadmap and their organization quickly to keep pace.

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?
   We always manage ourselves and hold ourselves accountable for decisions, actions and results, including customer satisfaction.

[Malena]

• How do we work with constraints? Trying to keep them to a minimum avoiding bureaucracy.
• Why is writing down things important? Because its more reliable than memory, takes less time than having to explain, and is out there for the rest to suggest improvements.
• What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions? Choosing the technology that solves the problem in the easier way. This reduces complexity and makes development faster.
• What can you say about self-service and self-learning? First try to solve your own questions, and then ask, with no shame. Once you got the answer, document it for others in the future.
• How do we value each others’ time? Avoid unnecessary meetings, make them optional is possible, trust their judgement instead of having them asking for permission all the time.
• Why do we have to embrace change? Because of the nature of the business and customer’s requirements things change quickly. The company might need to change teams, managers, etc and this should be embraced as opportunities to learn and grow.
• What is the concept of “manager of one”? Even if not managing other people, we are always managing ourselves.

[Cornel]

1. How do we work with constraints?
   At Moralis, we use healthy constraints that are necessary and strive to minimise bureaucracy. This approach helps us stay agile like a startup.

2. Why is writing down things important?
   Writing things down is crucial because it’s more efficient to read a document than to ask and explain. Documentation also allows for contributions and improvements from everyone.

3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
   A boring solution is the simplest and most straightforward way to solve a problem. We prefer boring solutions because they reduce complexity and offer stability and familiarity.

4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
   Team members are encouraged to find their own answers and ask questions in public when necessary. We document new information to benefit others, fostering efficiency through collaboration​.

5. How do we value each others’ time?
   We value each other’s time by avoiding unnecessary meetings and permission processes. If a meeting is necessary, we make attendance optional for as many people as possible and document the outcome.

6. Why do we have to embrace change?
   Embracing change is important because features, user requirements, and the competitive landscape evolve rapidly. By adapting quickly, we increase our chances of success.

7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?
   The concept of “manager of one” means that everyone at Moralis is expected to manage themselves, even if they aren’t managing others. It emphasises personal responsibility and independence.

[Madhukar]

• How do we work with constraints?
  With healthy constraints that are absolutely necessary

• Why is writing down things important?
  Having a system of record on goals, results, means helps in improving efficiency and knowledge.

• What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?
  Keeping it simple, start small, keep it simple and improve upon it

• What can you say about self-service and self-learning?
  Put effort by thinking of a solution, if not search quickly if there is a similar solution and keeping the time factor in mind, do not hesitate to ask the question in a public forum of the team.

• How do we value each others’ time?
  Respect other’s time by having a set agenda for a meeting, clear objective to be achieved before the start of the meeting and involve only necessary people marking other stake holders optional

• Why do we have to embrace change?
  Embracing has positive connotations in itself, a change well thought of, requires support and a rapid way to implementing that change is to have trust and believe that it’s being done with a positive intent.

• What is the concept of “manager of one”?
  Taking up the responsibility of managing your time, effort and results on your own. If managing people, being an enabler by removing hurdles faced by the team and help improve their efficiency

[GenXCrypto]

*1. How do we work with constraints?*
       We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are absolutely 
        necessary. We strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible. 

*2. Why is writing down things important?*
       We document everything: in the handbook, in meeting notes, in issues. 

For most people taking notes while in a meeting helps their memory. I have learn that it has thee opposite effect for myself. I cannot pay attention and write, type at the same time. If I take noted my memories of the event become disjointed. When I look at my notes I wondering what the meeting was really about. It is better if I voice record and take notes later.

*3. What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions?*
       The speed of innovation for our organization and product is constrained by 

the total complexity we have added so far, so every little reduction in complexity helps.

*4. What can you say about self-service and self-learning?* 
       When facing a problem research, research, research and then ask the public 

for help if you need to. Write down any new information discovered and pay it forward so that those coming after will have better efficiency built on top of practicing collaboration, inclusion, and documenting the results.

*5. How do we value each others’ time?* 
       Instead of having people ask permission, trust their judgment and offer 

a consultation process if they have questions.

*6. Why do we have to embrace change?*
       The most successful companies adapt their roadmap and their organization 

quickly to keep pace. Improper change, or the lack of change leads to a companies death.

*7. What is the concept of “manager of one”?* 
       Even if you are not managing other people - you always manage yourself.

[Kronik]

Efficiency Value Questions

1. We try to limit ourselves to healthy constraints that are absolutely necessary.
   Moralis strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible.

2. Writing things down ensures that information is documented and easily accessible, making it more efficient to reference later rather than relying on memory or repeated explanations. This practice also allows everyone to contribute improvements and maintain accurate records.
   Visualise things in your mind and then try to write it down to manifest in the real world.

3. Boring Solutions advocate for using simple, well-established technologies rather than complex or novel ones. This approach reduces overall complexity, making the system more stable and easier for everyone to work with. It emphasizes that “boring” solutions are not inferior but are practical and efficient choices for long-term success.

4. Team members should first search for their own answers and, if an answer is not readily found or the answer is not clear ask other members for advise.

5. Value and Respect Others’ Time by minimizing meetings and making attendance optional when possible. Always provide an agenda and document outcomes, and trust others’ judgment by offering consultations instead of requiring permission.

6. Embrace change by adapting quickly to evolving features, user needs, and the competitive landscape. While change can be disruptive, focusing on its positive aspects, like new opportunities and learning experiences, helps the company move faster and succeed.

7. At Moralis, being a “manager of one” means that everyone is responsible for managing their own tasks and time effectively, even if they don’t manage others. This approach emphasizes self-management, accountability, and independence in achieving goals.

[rvn]

How do we work with constraints? Moralis limits itself to “healthy constraints” that are absolutely necessary as the company grows. They believe that while some changes are required with growth, not all changes are inevitable or should be passively accepted. They strive to reduce bureaucracy as much as possible to maintain the agility of a startup.

Why is writing down things important? Writing things down (in the handbook, meeting notes, issues) is important because “the faintest pencil is better than the sharpest memory.” It is more efficient for individuals to read a document at their convenience than to have to ask and receive explanations. Additionally, having documentation in version control allows everyone to contribute suggestions for improvement.

What is a boring solution and why do we prefer boring solutions? A “boring solution” refers to using the simplest and most established solution for a problem. It should not be confused with “bad” or “technical debt.” Moralis prefers boring solutions because the speed of innovation is constrained by the total complexity added. Every reduction in complexity helps. Using established, popular technology ensures a more stable and familiar experience for team members and other contributors, rather than picking an interesting technology just to make work more fun.

What can you say about self-service and self-learning? Team members are encouraged to first search for their own answers. If an answer isn’t readily found or clear, they should ask in public, with a low level of “shame.” Any new information discovered should be written down and paid forward, building upon collaboration, inclusion, and documented results to improve efficiency for those who follow.

How do we value each others’ time? Moralis values others’ time by encouraging team members to consider the time investment they are asking others to make with meetings and permission processes. They try to avoid meetings, and if a meeting is necessary, they aim to make attendance optional for as many people as possible. Any meeting should have an agenda linked from the invite, and its outcome should be documented. Instead of requiring people to ask for permission, they trust judgment and offer a consultation process for questions.

Why do we have to embrace change? Moralis emphasizes embracing change because the adoption of features, user requirements, and the competitive landscape changes frequently and rapidly. Successful companies adapt their roadmap and organization quickly to keep pace. While change can feel disruptive (e.g., changing teams, subject matter, or managers), coaching oneself to embrace its positive aspects, such as increased opportunity and new things to learn, enables the company to move faster and increase its odds of success.

What is the concept of “manager of one”? The concept of “manager of one” means that everyone at Moralis is expected to manage themselves, even if they don’t manage other people. This involves taking responsibility for one’s own tasks and delivering on commitments.