Apple Pie Position

Apple pie positions are statements and questions that are almost always acceptable (like apple pie!) but often lack value or substantially improve a discussion. The statement instantly elevates the person who is saying it and is simultaneously hard for anyone else to push back on even though its actual value in this specific situation might be relatively low, zero, or even negative¹. These totems and shibboleths make the speaker sound smart but often waste time.

Note

Note that Apple Pie Positions are, by definition, specific to the context. This means that the same sentence can be either the right thing to focus on, or it can be an Apple Pie Position. The way you determine which is which is through good judgment. Just because someone says “What are the success criteria here?” or “What data do we have to back that up?” does not automatically make it an Apple Pie Position¹.

Examples of Apple Pie Positions¹:

1. “We need to define the success metrics for <whatever is being discussed>” Also seen in the wild as: “How will you measure success here?”
2. “Do you have any data to back that up?”
3. “We need more scalable team processes”
4. “We have too many meetings”
5. “We need to sync more often”
6. “This is a two-way door, so let’s just decide quickly”
7. “We need more metrics before making a decision here”
8. “We need a better go-to-market motion to improve product adoption”
9. “We need to clarify our expectations from people in this role so we can set them up for success”
10. “We need better internal documentation!”
11. “Let us not forget [quote one of the company’s core values].”
12. “We need to replace our team meeting with written updates”
13. “Our current org structure doesn’t set us up for optimal execution of our strategic goals. That’s why we are announcing a re-org”
14. “We must not slow down our shipping velocity”
15. “We need to post-mortem this”
16. “After 13 amazing months as CxO, Bob has decided to leave for other personal pursuits. The company wouldn’t be the same without his contributions”
17. “We need an offsite so we can align the teams better with our strategic priorities”
18. “Remember, we are a mission-driven company”
19. “We need to go on a customer listening tour to understand our customers better”

1. Doshi, S. Apple Pie Position: A statement that instantly elevates the person who is saying it and is simultaneously hard for anyone else to push back on, and so everyone avoids the personal risk and just nods ‘yes’, even though its actual value in this specific situation might be…. https://twitter.com/shreyas/status/1628567045800591361 (2023).