Ownership Definition Clarification Commitment
Situation
Committed to working with direct reports to create a clear, shared definition of Ownership and distribute it to all of engineering within a couple of days.
Reasoning
Received feedback that the termination announcement created anxiety because Ownership wasnt well-defined. Acknowledged this feedback rather than dismissing it. Goal is to ensure high performers know they are safe if they meet the standard - making expectations explicit reduces anxiety. Collaborative approach with direct reports ensures buy-in and practical enforceability. This calibrates culture away from fear toward clarity.
Additional Context
Follow-on to Trinity/Chris terminations. Nathan Blackham had already documented an Ownership definition that Peter agrees with. Peter referenced that mini-me used Nathans definition. The commitment was made in #announcements follow-up and confirmed in DM with Nathan.
People Involved
Nathan Blackham, Engineering direct reports
Source
reflection
AI Confidence
85%
Related Context
slack
Im also getting feedback that my definition of Ownership isnt clear. Ill work with my direct reports over the next couple of days to get something put together.
slack
Since the Ownership definition I sent out is the one mini-me stole from your document, and that I agree with... I assume we are aligned.
Outcome
In progress - working with direct reports on the definition. On track to deliver as committed.
Recorded on January 12, 2026
Decision ID: 7188cb9b-39de-4629-a468-afd42e3cbc08