Workplace cheat codes: 5 ways to up your odds of success

·10 min

The episode opens with Rachel Cook introducing the concept of workplace 'cheat codes' as simple practices that yield big advantages, inspired by video game cheat codes like the Konami code. She frames workplace decisions as bets where odds can be improved. The first technique is running a pre-mortem, where teams imagine a project has failed before it starts to identify potential triggers and implement mitigations. Next, she describes the 'stinky fish' facilitation tool from Hyper Island, where team members write down secret fears to address present uncertainties. The third cheat code is bringing in a 'naive expert,' an internal colleague not embedded in the project, to ask elementary questions that challenge assumptions. Fourth, she advises finding 'analogs'—similar past projects that share meaningful characteristics—to borrow learning and avoid repeating mistakes. Finally, she recommends scheduling 'yellow meetings' to normalize discussing issues that are slightly off track before they become major problems. Throughout, Cook emphasizes creating psychological safety and proactive problem-solving. The episode is structured as a solo monologue with practical examples, concluding with a call to action for her email series and next episode.

As heard by us

A practical workplace framework for treating everyday decisions as bets that can be made more intelligently.

Modern Mentor frames workplace decisions as bets: choosing a direction, setting priorities, and deciding which problems deserve attention all become questions of how to improve the odds.

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Why you'd press play

When every work decision feels like a bet, this kickstart helps you think about improving the odds.

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