Gitlab CEO Sid Sijbrandij Shares His Blueprint for the Future of Work

TL;DR

GitLab's remote board meetings follow best practices such as sending out the deck in advance, providing video updates, and focusing on strategic conversations.

Transcript

maybe we can just jump right in we have so many questions about so many different parts of this business you guys are radically transparent you're remote only there's a lot of really interesting stuff for us to dig into do you mind talking this group through some of the board meeting best practices that you've arrived on just at a high level for th... Read More

Key Insights

• 👋 GitLab's board meeting best practices involve sending out the deck in advance and encouraging asynchronous communication to optimize time.
• 👻 Video updates allow for more flexibility and thoughtful responses from board members.
• 💨 Diversity is a priority for GitLab's board, including different backgrounds and ways of processing information.
• 🤲 Remote employee belonging is fostered through informal communication and getting to know colleagues on a personal level.
• 👻 GitLab combines the best of consensus and hierarchical organizations, allowing decisions to be made quickly and efficiently.
• ❓ The company hires for values rather than remote experience, emphasizing transparency and iteration.
• 🍉 GitLab is preparing for becoming a public company while maintaining its commitment to transparency and long-term orientation.

Questions & Answers

Q: How did GitLab arrive at their best practices for board meetings?

GitLab's best practices evolved through trial and error, incorporating the sending out of the deck in advance and the use of video updates to optimize communication and productivity.

Q: Why does GitLab prioritize video updates for board meetings?

Video updates allow for flexibility, as board members can watch them at a convenient time. It also provides an opportunity for more thoughtful answers and the ability to read subtitles or speed up the video.

Q: How does GitLab create a diverse board?

GitLab values diversity in various dimensions, including gender, ethnicity, and different professional backgrounds. They make sure no single voice dominates the board and actively invite different perspectives.

Q: How does GitLab foster a sense of belonging among remote employees?

GitLab believes that informal communication and getting to know colleagues on a personal level is crucial for creating a sense of belonging in a remote culture. They practice coffee breaks and other interactions to foster this connection.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• GitLab sends out the board meeting deck several days ahead of time, allowing board members to digest it and ask questions in a Google doc.

• A video update from the CEO is released before the meeting, while the actual board meeting focuses on strategic conversations rather than updates.

• Questions are answered asynchronously before the meeting, with three big questions being discussed during the meeting.