Roles at the company, staying involved as a founder & other listener questions
Mar 12, 2025
auto_awesome
Jason and David dive into the unique roles at 37signals, showcasing a flat structure that minimizes traditional management and boosts efficiency. They discuss how non-programmers can contribute to coding, highlighting the benefits of smaller, more versatile teams. Tips on writing effective job descriptions and the importance of being an accessible founder are shared. The duo also explores the intricacies of choosing a business structure that promotes equitable sharing among co-founders and employees, stressing simplicity in organizational design.
33:11
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
37signals operates without traditional management roles, allowing employees to focus on their responsibilities and enhance overall productivity.
The founders highlight the importance of remaining accessible to customers, which fosters better relationships and provides valuable insights for product development.
Deep dives
Roles and Structure at 37 Signals
37 Signals operates without common management roles such as project managers, sales teams, or dedicated lawyers. The absence of middle management allows all employees to focus on their core responsibilities, leading to a more efficient workflow. The founders mention that this structure avoids unnecessary meetings and keeps the team agile, as everyone is engaged in their work without additional layers that can slow processes down. This approach enables the company to be more capable and adaptable, highlighting how fewer restrictive roles can enhance overall productivity.
Multi-Tasking and Versatility of Team Members
Team members at 37 Signals often take on multiple responsibilities, blurring the lines between roles traditionally defined in other companies. Designers, for instance, are expected to write their own HTML and CSS, illustrating a wider range of skills that employees possess. This expectation encourages developers and designers to collaborate closely, streamlining the development process and fostering a culture where everyone contributes beyond their primary job description. As a result, having generalists rather than specialists leads to faster results and higher job satisfaction.
Connecting with the Community
The founders emphasize the importance of staying connected with the community, stating it is an integral part of their job. They actively engage with customers and industry peers, responding to emails and comments personally, which provides valuable feedback for product direction. This direct communication enhances both customer relationships and product development, as insights are often informed by actual user experiences. The founders’ availability and involvement exemplify the belief that accessibility to the clientele is essential for guiding the company’s mission.
Company Structure and Future Growth
When discussing company structures, the founders recommend simplicity, particularly for startups, suggesting that complex arrangements should be avoided until absolutely necessary. They advise beginning with an LLC for its low overhead and allowing for flexibility, especially when focusing on developing one product initially. As the company matures and potentially expands to multiple products, adjustment of its structure can occur, but foundational simplicity should always be prioritized. This strategy helps in avoiding unnecessary complications and ensures that the business can grow organically without excessive administrative burdens.
Jason Fried and David Heinemeier Hansson answer listener questions in this episode of The REWORK Podcast. They discuss the roles 37signals hires for (and the ones they don’t), the importance of staying accessible as a founder, and the thought process behind choosing a business structure.
Key Takeaways
00:16 – Employee roles at 37signals
04:33 – How non-programmers contribute to programming