---
id: d9b6378f-f5fc-4fd7-9f05-03ab79407a8b
title: "How We Work"
collection: Intranet
created: 2026-01-18
---

# How We Work

The operating system for this operation. Three layers:


---

## [Planning](planning.md)

Capturing ideas before commitment.

* **[Wishlist](../../reference/athena/wishlist.md)** - ideas, not committed

## [Governance](governance.md)

Defining the game - roles, rules, structure.

* **Roles** - purpose, domains, accountabilities (updated via lived experience)
* **Policies** - "when X, then Y" rules

## [Operations](operations.md)

Playing the game - execution, projects, procedures.

* **Roles** - same roles, focus on performing
* **Projects** - outcomes being worked toward (per role)
* **Playbooks** - how to do things
  * [Runbooks](runbook-orca-deploy.md) (step-by-step + troubleshooting)
  * [Checklists](checklist-new-feature.md) (verification)
  * Cheatsheets (quick reference)


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## The Loop

```
        ┌─────────────────────────────────────┐
        │                                     │
        ▼                                     │
   [Planning]                                 │
   Wishlist → ideas captured                  │
        │                                     │
        ▼ (refine)                            │
   [Governance]                               │
   Roles + Policies → structure defined       │
        │                                     │
        ▼ (execute)                           │
   [Operations]                               │
   Projects + Playbooks → work done           │
        │                                     │
        └──── (tensions) ─────────────────────┘
              feed back to governance
```


---

## Reference

* [Glossary: Operational Terms](../../reference/physics-of-work/glossary-operational-terms.md)
* [Session Logs](../journals/session-2026-01-17-tool-events-max-turns-fix.md) - work journals


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*Influenced by Holacracy, adapted for a small team + AI agents.*