The document discusses differences between how "geeks" and "non-geeks" approach work, the future, decision making, language, lying, ethics, and motivation. Geeks tend to be more analytical and focused on problem-solving while non-geeks are more vision-oriented and contextual. For example, geeks see work as solving problems first before vision, view the future as ambiguous and dangerous, and believe lying is always wrong. In contrast, non-geeks see work as achieving a shared vision, view the future as promising, and think lying depends on context. The document provides tips for motivating geeks such as creating problems to solve, offering team roles, and providing intermittent free food.

1. Leading Geeks
Adapted from “The Geek Leader’s Handbook” (see readings)

2. Are Geeks Different?
• Some truth to stereotypes
• Geeks tend to be INTJ
• Geeks believe only they are
objective
• Lots of variance across the
species
• Geeks and Contraxioms

3. Geeks and Work
Geeks
• Work is about solving problems
• Forward-chaining
• Effectual Thinking
• Problems must be solved before
vision can ensue
• Thinks non-geeks are drinking
Kool-Aid
Non-Geeks
• Work is about achieving a vision
• Backward-chaining
• Causal Thinking
• Vision must be vivid to get
gumption to solve problems
• Thinks geeks are Debbie
Downers

4. Geeks and The Future
Geeks
• The future is looming
• Get energized by planning for
the worst
• Future is unknown and
ambiguous, hence dangerous
• “Your optimism means I’m stuck
managing all the risks”
Non-Geeks
• The future is promising
• Get energized by ignoring
potential obstacles
• Future is clay which can be
formed by the imagination,
hence promising
• “All they can talk about is what
won’t work”

5. Geeks and Knowing
Geeks
• Know in their head, through
detailed analysis
• Break an idea down and test the
parts
• Need details
• “You endanger us all with your
intellectual laziness”
Non-Geeks
• Know in their gut, by getting the
gist
• Check in with others to see how
they feel about it
• Need stories
• “You infect every meeting you
attend with analysis paralysis”

6. Geeks and Language
Geeks
• Language is for transmitting
information
• Misused words or fuzzy
statements must be debugged
• Interrupt conversation to ask
clarifying questions
• “You are so vague I can’t figure
out what you’re talking about”
Non-Geeks
• Language is for sharing meaning
• Words don’t mean much in
themselves, but in what they
evoke
• “You are annoyingly literal”
• “You interrupt the flow of
conversation with picky little
questions”

7. Geeks and Lying
Geeks
• Lying is evil
• It’s really really bad
• Lying is saying something you
don’t absolutely know to be true
• Exaggeration, hyperbole, and
opinions are lies
• Estimates are very close to being
lies
Non-Geeks
• Lying is impolite
• It’s a faux pas
• Lying is saying something you
absolutely know to be false
• Exaggeration, hyperbole, and
opinions are rhetorical devices
• Estimates are best guesses

8. Geeks and Good
Geeks
• Good is absolute
• Principles are the same in every
situation
• People whose principles vary
lack character
• Everyone should follow the
processes that have been
established
Non-Geeks
• Good is contextual
• Principles vary from situation to
situation
• People whose principles are
inflexible are of limited use
• Cutting in line is OK if it doesn’t
hurt anyone

9. Geeks and Wanting
Geeks
• Wanting should be irrelevant to
decision-making
• Taking account of wants is
selfish or immature
• “I gave you all the facts, so why
didn’t you come to the right
conclusion”?
Non-Geeks
• Wanting is essential for decision-
making
• Wants and desires are an
important part of decisions
• “You’re hiding what you want, so
you must have some ulterior
motive”

10. Motivating Geeks
• Create compelling problem statements
• Design interdependent roles
• Build small, focused teams
• Select wisely
• Offer free food – but only intermittently