## Metadata - Author: [[John cutler|John Cutler]] - Full Title:: TBM 351: The 4 Prioritization Jobs - Category:: #🗞️Articles - URL:: https://cutlefish.substack.com/p/tbm-351-the-4-prioritization-jobs - Read date:: [[2025-04-15]] ## Highlights [[Prioritization techniques|Prioritization Techniques]] > But I'd argue that in some organizations—particularly ones where the pipes are badly clogged and teams are overwhelmed—you may need to take the exact opposite approach. > In those cases, the most important move you can make is to stabilize first. > • Limit WIP (#1) > • Provide first-pass heuristics to reduce thrash and help teams make tradeoffs (#3) > • Once teams can breathe, then you can start to surface and clarify strategy, goals, and outcomes (#2) > • And only then does it make sense to revisit how your funding is allocated and how structural support is distributed (#4) > It's almost the reverse of the classic model. But the key insight is this: clearing the pipes is the strategy when you're stuck and nothing is moving. That's not a tactical choice—it's a strategic one. ([View Highlight](https://read.readwise.io/read/01jrvvygaq2p1tw37y4fwy5v57))