by Hari Srinivasan
Instead of optimizing for local metrics (like time spent or clicks), every feature prioritization is filtered through a single mission: 'Connecting people to economic opportunity.' This clarifies trade-offs immediately by focusing on the ultimate user outcome rather than intermediate business metrics.
Core Principles
- 1.Principle 1: Define the Mission explicitly. At LinkedIn, it is 'Connecting to Economic Opportunity.'
- 2.Principle 2: Measure Outcomes, not inputs. Track 'Hires Made' or 'Skills Learned' rather than just 'Daily Active Users.'
- 3.Principle 3: Members First. When in doubt between revenue and member trust/opportunity, prioritize the member to sustain the ecosystem.
"If you can explain why this is the thing that you should do that would help someone really do what they want to do... all of a sudden the world gets a lot simpler."