[Isamu]

So the problem of "hiring the best" is solved by making hiring your top priority. Likewise the problems of development are solved by making tools your top priority. Presumably along with everything else that is a top priority, like making something insanely great.

I'm sorry, I just sensitive to how many times I've seen "top priority" in somebody's management presentation, as if it solves something.

That said, I mostly agree with the gist of what he's saying here.

[eitally]

I know what you mean, but you may be surprised to know how many people feel like their organization doesn't have any top priorities, so overkill on the hyperbole isn't necessarily a bad thing. One of the issues in large organizations is trying to engage staff strongly enough so they really do feel a personal responsibility for the success of the company. It's hard, and very few large corporations do it well.

[Isamu]

I agree this is a real problem. I guess I've come from organizations where everything is declared a top priority, therefore nothing is. And nothing can be pushed aside for a true priority.

In particular, it is damaging for a leader to declare a top priority and then go on the same as usual, not making extra efforts to invest in that priority, because of course the reality is that so many things are important, and they lack the will to focus at the expense of something else.

If something is that important, you'll direct significant resources to the goal and I imagine the author of the article is sincere in doing that. Many organizations however are resource-constrained and must make tough choices. It's just mismanagement to declare lots of top priorities - heck, you don't have to say anything, just show us how you are allocating the money and people, and adjusting your expectations of everybody's schedules and deadlines.

[eitally]

I read this with my head nodding the whole time. :(