Andy Cleff aka Just Sit There
@andycleff.bsky.social
mindfulness • creativity • collaboration • resilience • agility
https://substack.com/@andycleff
https://substack.com/@andycleff
Your inner critic isn't your enemy—it's a misguided prediction system. In my latest post, I explore how modern neuroscience reveals we can transform these 'gremlins' into protective 'gargoyles' that offer wisdom rather than fear. The key? Understanding that emotions are constructed, not hardwired.
Tending To Your Inner Landscape
Your inner critic isn't your enemy—it's a misguided prediction system. In my latest post, I explore how modern neuroscience reveals we can transform these 'gremlins' into protective 'gargoyles' that offer wisdom rather than fear. The key? Understanding that emotions are constructed, not hardwired.
www.andycleff.com
February 16, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Your inner critic isn't your enemy—it's a misguided prediction system. In my latest post, I explore how modern neuroscience reveals we can transform these 'gremlins' into protective 'gargoyles' that offer wisdom rather than fear. The key? Understanding that emotions are constructed, not hardwired.
Building slack into your system isn't just nice—it's necessary for innovation and sustainable delivery. Join me to learn how to implement strategic "no" decisions that create space for exceptional "yes" decisions to flourish.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 15, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Building slack into your system isn't just nice—it's necessary for innovation and sustainable delivery. Join me to learn how to implement strategic "no" decisions that create space for exceptional "yes" decisions to flourish.
Transform team culture with practical experiments that strengthen your "no" muscles. Join my 3-hour immersive workshop to protect team capacity, improve flow metrics, and deliver predictable value. Interactive sessions you won't want to miss!
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 14, 2026 at 2:31 PM
Transform team culture with practical experiments that strengthen your "no" muscles. Join my 3-hour immersive workshop to protect team capacity, improve flow metrics, and deliver predictable value. Interactive sessions you won't want to miss!
The 'lizard brain' myth is sabotaging your team's potential. Modern neuroscience reveals our brains aren't primitive, emotional, and rational layers fighting for control—they're sophisticated prediction machines capable of rewiring throughout our lives. In my new field guide series, discover how
Beyond the Lizard Brain: Nurturing Adaptive Teams
The 'lizard brain' myth is sabotaging your team's potential. Modern neuroscience reveals our brains aren't primitive, emotional, and rational layers fighting for control—they're sophisticated prediction machines capable of rewiring throughout our lives. In my new field guide series, discover how
www.andycleff.com
February 13, 2026 at 1:34 AM
The 'lizard brain' myth is sabotaging your team's potential. Modern neuroscience reveals our brains aren't primitive, emotional, and rational layers fighting for control—they're sophisticated prediction machines capable of rewiring throughout our lives. In my new field guide series, discover how
Only 25% of delivery capacity goes toward features customers actually use. The rest? Junk and "dark work." Learn to redirect capacity to what truly matters through strategic prioritization in my upcoming workshop.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 12, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Only 25% of delivery capacity goes toward features customers actually use. The rest? Junk and "dark work." Learn to redirect capacity to what truly matters through strategic prioritization in my upcoming workshop.
Ready to transform "We can't take on more work" into "We don't take on unrefined work"? Small language shifts create powerful boundaries. Join my live workshop to build your Strategic "No" toolkit for Agile Teams.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 10, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Ready to transform "We can't take on more work" into "We don't take on unrefined work"? Small language shifts create powerful boundaries. Join my live workshop to build your Strategic "No" toolkit for Agile Teams.
At 98, my father couldn't remember I'd visited a few days before. But ask about that cabin in Maine from 1969? "Gus's place. Lake Megunticook." Crystal clear.
That summer I was nine. Got lost in the woods (mom was 50 yards away). Kicked a fallen log (learned why you don't). Tried to photograph
That summer I was nine. Got lost in the woods (mom was 50 yards away). Kicked a fallen log (learned why you don't). Tried to photograph
Between Getting Lost and Finding My Way
At 98, my father couldn't remember I'd visited a few days before. But ask about that cabin in Maine from 1969? "Gus's place. Lake Megunticook." Crystal clear.
That summer I was nine. Got lost in the woods (mom was 50 yards away). Kicked a fallen log (learned why you don't). Tried to photograph
www.andycleff.com
February 10, 2026 at 1:31 AM
At 98, my father couldn't remember I'd visited a few days before. But ask about that cabin in Maine from 1969? "Gus's place. Lake Megunticook." Crystal clear.
That summer I was nine. Got lost in the woods (mom was 50 yards away). Kicked a fallen log (learned why you don't). Tried to photograph
That summer I was nine. Got lost in the woods (mom was 50 yards away). Kicked a fallen log (learned why you don't). Tried to photograph
"Red Time" for execution. "Blue Time" for thinking. Without balance, productivity suffers. Join my workshop to learn how strategic "no" decisions create space for both modes—leading to better outcomes and happier teams.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 8, 2026 at 10:53 PM
"Red Time" for execution. "Blue Time" for thinking. Without balance, productivity suffers. Join my workshop to learn how strategic "no" decisions create space for both modes—leading to better outcomes and happier teams.
The five thieves of time are stealing your team's productivity: Too much WIP, Unknown Dependencies, Unplanned Work, Conflicting Priorities, and Neglected Work. Learn to stop them in my upcoming workshop!
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 7, 2026 at 2:30 PM
The five thieves of time are stealing your team's productivity: Too much WIP, Unknown Dependencies, Unplanned Work, Conflicting Priorities, and Neglected Work. Learn to stop them in my upcoming workshop!
Your team knows the Kantor roles—Movers, Followers, Opposers, Bystanders. You can spot them instantly. But you still have that nagging feeling: ideas get shot down, good suggestions disappear, decisions feel forced. The missing piece isn't understanding WHO plays which role—it's understanding
Communication Currents: How to Read and Enhance Your Team’s Information Flow Using The Kantor Four Player Model
Your team knows the Kantor roles—Movers, Followers, Opposers, Bystanders. You can spot them instantly. But you still have that nagging feeling: ideas get shot down, good suggestions disappear, decisions feel forced. The missing piece isn't understanding WHO plays which role—it's understanding
www.andycleff.com
February 7, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Your team knows the Kantor roles—Movers, Followers, Opposers, Bystanders. You can spot them instantly. But you still have that nagging feeling: ideas get shot down, good suggestions disappear, decisions feel forced. The missing piece isn't understanding WHO plays which role—it's understanding
Are stakeholder expectations crushing your team's morale? Learn to say "no" without damaging relationships. Join me for a 3-hour workshop where you'll gain practical WIP limiting techniques that drive predictability while protecting team sanity.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 5, 2026 at 4:31 PM
Are stakeholder expectations crushing your team's morale? Learn to say "no" without damaging relationships. Join me for a 3-hour workshop where you'll gain practical WIP limiting techniques that drive predictability while protecting team sanity.
Jasmine doesn't announce itself with bold colors or dramatic displays. Instead, it offers something more subtle and enduring—a fragrance that lingers, a steady climb that transforms whatever it touches. In our teams, we need people who embody this jasmine energy: building relationships slowly but
Trellises, Open Fields, and Tomorrow’s Blooms
Jasmine doesn't announce itself with bold colors or dramatic displays. Instead, it offers something more subtle and enduring—a fragrance that lingers, a steady climb that transforms whatever it touches. In our teams, we need people who embody this jasmine energy: building relationships slowly but
www.andycleff.com
February 4, 2026 at 1:32 AM
Jasmine doesn't announce itself with bold colors or dramatic displays. Instead, it offers something more subtle and enduring—a fragrance that lingers, a steady climb that transforms whatever it touches. In our teams, we need people who embody this jasmine energy: building relationships slowly but
Improving your team's performance by just 1% daily compounds to 37x improvement in a year! Join me to learn how strategic "no" decisions can catalyze this transformation in your agile teams. Live online workshop coming soon!
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 3, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Improving your team's performance by just 1% daily compounds to 37x improvement in a year! Join me to learn how strategic "no" decisions can catalyze this transformation in your agile teams. Live online workshop coming soon!
Is your team drowning in too much WIP? Learn how to escape the "Doom Loop" of overcommitment in my upcoming workshop: The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams. Discover practical techniques to improve flow and deliver what truly matters.
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
February 1, 2026 at 10:53 PM
Is your team drowning in too much WIP? Learn how to escape the "Doom Loop" of overcommitment in my upcoming workshop: The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams. Discover practical techniques to improve flow and deliver what truly matters.
The outdated 'lizard brain' myth is holding back your professional growth. Modern neuroscience shows our brains are prediction engines, constantly constructing emotional responses based on past experience. In my new field guide, discover how to scan your inner landscape, transform defensive
Tending To Your Inner Landscape
The outdated 'lizard brain' myth is holding back your professional growth. Modern neuroscience shows our brains are prediction engines, constantly constructing emotional responses based on past experience. In my new field guide, discover how to scan your inner landscape, transform defensive
www.andycleff.com
February 1, 2026 at 1:32 AM
The outdated 'lizard brain' myth is holding back your professional growth. Modern neuroscience shows our brains are prediction engines, constantly constructing emotional responses based on past experience. In my new field guide, discover how to scan your inner landscape, transform defensive
When you think about focusing, you think it's saying 'yes.' Nope. Focusing is about saying 'no.' Join my live workshop to master The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams. Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery!
The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams
Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery
buff.ly
January 31, 2026 at 2:30 PM
When you think about focusing, you think it's saying 'yes.' Nope. Focusing is about saying 'no.' Join my live workshop to master The Strategic "No" for Agile Teams. Protect team capacity, sanity, and unlock predictable value delivery!
Organizations aren't machines to optimize—they're living ecosystems to nurture. My latest series explores how teams can work WITH their brains, not against them, using five adaptive practices: Scan, Predict, Experiment, Reflect, Share. Ready to move beyond rigid frameworks toward cultivating
Beyond the Lizard Brain: Nurturing Adaptive Teams
Organizations aren't machines to optimize—they're living ecosystems to nurture. My latest series explores how teams can work WITH their brains, not against them, using five adaptive practices: Scan, Predict, Experiment, Reflect, Share. Ready to move beyond rigid frameworks toward cultivating
www.andycleff.com
January 29, 2026 at 1:31 AM
Organizations aren't machines to optimize—they're living ecosystems to nurture. My latest series explores how teams can work WITH their brains, not against them, using five adaptive practices: Scan, Predict, Experiment, Reflect, Share. Ready to move beyond rigid frameworks toward cultivating
With each unpacked box, I'm not just settling into this tiny home, but expanding into a more spacious version of myself.
Think. Read. Write. Listen. Draw. Walk. Run. Ride. Cook. Eat. Sleep. Ponder. Wander. I'm not sure what's next. Stay tuned, we'll see what emerges together.
Think. Read. Write. Listen. Draw. Walk. Run. Ride. Cook. Eat. Sleep. Ponder. Wander. I'm not sure what's next. Stay tuned, we'll see what emerges together.
Tending to My Inner Landscape
With each unpacked box, I'm not just settling into this tiny home, but expanding into a more spacious version of myself.
Think. Read. Write. Listen. Draw. Walk. Run. Ride. Cook. Eat. Sleep. Ponder. Wander. I'm not sure what's next. Stay tuned, we'll see what emerges together.
www.andycleff.com
January 26, 2026 at 1:32 AM
With each unpacked box, I'm not just settling into this tiny home, but expanding into a more spacious version of myself.
Think. Read. Write. Listen. Draw. Walk. Run. Ride. Cook. Eat. Sleep. Ponder. Wander. I'm not sure what's next. Stay tuned, we'll see what emerges together.
Think. Read. Write. Listen. Draw. Walk. Run. Ride. Cook. Eat. Sleep. Ponder. Wander. I'm not sure what's next. Stay tuned, we'll see what emerges together.
Shia from Progressive spent 15 minutes explaining interstate insurance database protocols I had no idea existed. Pablo from the DMV got on his hands and knees to verify my engine number. Lisa made the California DMV feel almost... human. In our rush to automate everything, here's what I learned
The Great Vespa Registration Saga
Shia from Progressive spent 15 minutes explaining interstate insurance database protocols I had no idea existed. Pablo from the DMV got on his hands and knees to verify my engine number. Lisa made the California DMV feel almost... human. In our rush to automate everything, here's what I learned
www.andycleff.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:33 AM
Shia from Progressive spent 15 minutes explaining interstate insurance database protocols I had no idea existed. Pablo from the DMV got on his hands and knees to verify my engine number. Lisa made the California DMV feel almost... human. In our rush to automate everything, here's what I learned
My brother claimed he knew a shortcut. Within three minutes, we were completely lost in the Maine woods. Then we heard rustling. "Bears?" one of us whispered. “Mom!!!???” the other yelled.
"Yes?" came my mother's voice from the clothesline not more than 50 yards away. "What is it?"
"Yes?" came my mother's voice from the clothesline not more than 50 yards away. "What is it?"
Between Getting Lost and Finding My Way
My brother claimed he knew a shortcut. Within three minutes, we were completely lost in the Maine woods. Then we heard rustling. "Bears?" one of us whispered. “Mom!!!???” the other yelled.
"Yes?" came my mother's voice from the clothesline not more than 50 yards away. "What is it?"
www.andycleff.com
January 20, 2026 at 1:32 AM
My brother claimed he knew a shortcut. Within three minutes, we were completely lost in the Maine woods. Then we heard rustling. "Bears?" one of us whispered. “Mom!!!???” the other yelled.
"Yes?" came my mother's voice from the clothesline not more than 50 yards away. "What is it?"
"Yes?" came my mother's voice from the clothesline not more than 50 yards away. "What is it?"
The best teams aren't just collections of great individual communicators—they're teams where information flows most effectively through the entire system. Learn how to diagnose your team's communication flow, spot the four essential currents (Direction, Building, Challenge, Reflection), and create
Communication Currents: How to Read and Enhance Your Team’s Information Flow Using The Kantor Four Player Model
The best teams aren't just collections of great individual communicators—they're teams where information flows most effectively through the entire system. Learn how to diagnose your team's communication flow, spot the four essential currents (Direction, Building, Challenge, Reflection), and create
www.andycleff.com
January 17, 2026 at 1:32 AM
The best teams aren't just collections of great individual communicators—they're teams where information flows most effectively through the entire system. Learn how to diagnose your team's communication flow, spot the four essential currents (Direction, Building, Challenge, Reflection), and create
We nurture the seeds of today for tomorrow's blooms. In our achievement-oriented culture, this requires patience and faith in processes that unfold over seasons we can't rush. The conversations we have today with struggling team members might not show results for months—but gardens teach us that
Trellises, Open Fields, and Tomorrow’s Blooms
We nurture the seeds of today for tomorrow's blooms. In our achievement-oriented culture, this requires patience and faith in processes that unfold over seasons we can't rush. The conversations we have today with struggling team members might not show results for months—but gardens teach us that
www.andycleff.com
January 14, 2026 at 1:31 AM
We nurture the seeds of today for tomorrow's blooms. In our achievement-oriented culture, this requires patience and faith in processes that unfold over seasons we can't rush. The conversations we have today with struggling team members might not show results for months—but gardens teach us that
What if organizational constraints could drive innovation rather than limiting it? Netflix's evolution reveals how thoughtfully calibrated boundaries—like tide pool walls—can create protected spaces where creativity and disciplined execution coexist. Explore how this balance might transform your
Netflix’s Organizational Resilience: Adaptation in a Changing Industry
What if organizational constraints could drive innovation rather than limiting it? Netflix's evolution reveals how thoughtfully calibrated boundaries—like tide pool walls—can create protected spaces where creativity and disciplined execution coexist. Explore how this balance might transform your
www.andycleff.com
January 11, 2026 at 1:31 AM
What if organizational constraints could drive innovation rather than limiting it? Netflix's evolution reveals how thoughtfully calibrated boundaries—like tide pool walls—can create protected spaces where creativity and disciplined execution coexist. Explore how this balance might transform your
"Everything people ever worry about doesn't happen. It's totally different things that happen. So you might as well do it and deal with the actual problems that happen, rather than the worries that never eventuate." – Sandy Mamoli. Forest fungi have been running the original agile organization for
Lessons in Self-Organization from the Fungus Among Us
"Everything people ever worry about doesn't happen. It's totally different things that happen. So you might as well do it and deal with the actual problems that happen, rather than the worries that never eventuate." – Sandy Mamoli. Forest fungi have been running the original agile organization for
www.andycleff.com
January 8, 2026 at 1:32 AM
"Everything people ever worry about doesn't happen. It's totally different things that happen. So you might as well do it and deal with the actual problems that happen, rather than the worries that never eventuate." – Sandy Mamoli. Forest fungi have been running the original agile organization for
With five concurrent tasks, you lose 80% of your capacity to context switching alone. Only 20% goes to actual productive work.
This isn't about discipline. It's about how human cognition works. Your brain can't instantly swap between processes like a computer. Every context switch requires
This isn't about discipline. It's about how human cognition works. Your brain can't instantly swap between processes like a computer. Every context switch requires
The Mathematics of No: Why Working Less Delivers More
With five concurrent tasks, you lose 80% of your capacity to context switching alone. Only 20% goes to actual productive work.
This isn't about discipline. It's about how human cognition works. Your brain can't instantly swap between processes like a computer. Every context switch requires
www.andycleff.com
January 5, 2026 at 1:32 AM
With five concurrent tasks, you lose 80% of your capacity to context switching alone. Only 20% goes to actual productive work.
This isn't about discipline. It's about how human cognition works. Your brain can't instantly swap between processes like a computer. Every context switch requires
This isn't about discipline. It's about how human cognition works. Your brain can't instantly swap between processes like a computer. Every context switch requires