Not long ago, I read a book called “12 Rules for Life” by Jordan Peterson. This book is full of good advice and has really made me think about how I do my job.

In my work, I lead a team that develops software. It’s a job that changes a lot and can sometimes be tough. But, Peterson’s book has given me some great ideas on how to be a better leader and make smarter decisions.

In this blog post, I want to share with you how I use the 12 rules from the book in my work every day. I think these rules are not just good for your personal life; they can also help you at work, especially if you’re leading a team like I do.

Each rule has taught me something important – from being confident in making decisions, to listening to everyone on my team. I’m going to talk about each rule and show you how I use it in the world of technology and managing a team.

So, let’s get started and see how these rules can make us better at our tech jobs!

1. “Stand Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back“: As a CTO, exude confidence in your decision-making, especially in high-stakes situations like choosing tech stacks or negotiating with vendors. Your team looks to you for direction and assurance, especially in times of uncertainty.
2. “Treat Yourself Like Someone You Are Responsible for Helping“: Prioritize your own professional and personal development. Just as you would mentor a team member in mastering a new technology or encourage them to attend a conference, do the same for yourself. This sets a positive example and emphasizes the importance of continuous learning.
3. “Make Friends With People Who Want the Best for You“: Cultivate relationships with colleagues and professionals who challenge you to grow and think differently. This might mean networking with other tech leaders, seeking mentors, or building a team that pushes you and each other towards excellence.
4. “Compare Yourself to Who You Were Yesterday, Not to Who Someone Else Is Today“: In a field as dynamic as technology, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by others’ achievements. Focus on your personal and professional growth trajectory. Celebrate your progress, such as successfully leading a challenging project or improving your technical skills.
5. “Do Not Let Your Children Do Anything That Makes You Dislike Them“: Address issues like missed deadlines, subpar performance, or negative attitudes promptly. It’s crucial to establish a culture where accountability is valued and necessary feedback is given constructively.
6. “Set Your House in Perfect Order Before You Criticize the World“: Ensure your department is functioning effectively before critiquing other areas of the business. This could mean streamlining your development processes, ensuring projects are on track, or addressing any team issues.
7. “Pursue What Is Meaningful, Not What Is Expedient“: Champion projects and initiatives that offer long-term value to the company, even if they require more effort and time. Resist the temptation to cut corners for short-term gains, focusing instead on sustainable and impactful development.
8. “Tell the Truth—or, at Least, Don’t Lie“: Foster a culture of honesty and transparency in your team. This means being open about challenges and failures, as well as successes. It encourages a more collaborative and trusting environment.
9. “Assume That the Person You Are Listening to Might Know Something You Don’t“: Value the input of all team members, regardless of their rank or experience. Junior developers, for example, might offer fresh perspectives or innovative solutions that more experienced members might overlook.
10. “Be Precise in Your Speech“: Communicate clearly and concisely, especially when setting goals, expectations, or providing feedback. In the tech world, where misinterpretations can lead to significant issues, clarity in communication is paramount.
11. “Do Not Bother Children When They Are Skateboarding“: Avoid micromanaging. Give your team autonomy and trust them to handle their responsibilities. This empowers them to take ownership of their work and fosters innovation.
12. “Pet a Cat When You Encounter One on the Street“: Recognize and celebrate small successes and milestones. Acknowledge the hard work of your team members, whether it’s successfully completing a sprint, fixing a difficult bug, or implementing a user’s feedback effectively.

As we wrap up this exploration of how Jordan Peterson’s “12 Rules for Life” can be applied in the realm of technology and leadership, I want to emphasize the depth and richness that comes from reading the book firsthand. While I’ve shared my personal interpretations and applications of these rules, there’s a unique value in experiencing Peterson’s perspectives directly from his own words. I highly recommend picking up a copy of “12 Rules for Life” to fully appreciate the insights and wisdom it offers. Not only will it provide a deeper understanding of the concepts discussed here, but it might also offer you new perspectives that are uniquely relevant to your own life and career. Whether you’re a fellow CTO, a budding developer, or just someone interested in personal development, this book is a valuable resource that can impact various aspects of your life. So, go ahead, grab your copy, and embark on a journey of learning and self-discovery that only Jordan Peterson can guide you through.