{
  "id": 9395513,
  "title": "I don't want the details",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/i-dont-want-the-details-9395513",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-09-23T13:04:44.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hacker News Best",
    "slug": "hacker-news-best",
    "url": "https://michaelheap.com/i-dont-want-the-details/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A few months prior, the author found themselves participating in a call with their engineering counterpart and the counterpart's superior, the SVP of engineering. An error had occurred, though it was not dire, yet significant enough to warrant a meeting with the SVP. Mid-explanation, the SVP interjected, \"Michael, I don't want the details.\" The author recognized that the SVP's statement signified agreement with the explanation's rationality, rather than dismissal. The executive presumed the author's competence and wanted to shift focus to subsequent actions.\n\nOrganizations typically query \"why did this happen?\" after an incident. However, this question often results in recounting events, which can inadvertently reinforce problematic behaviors. When an incident is comprehended as a reasonable sequence of events by all parties, no modifications occur. Yet, the same error may reoccur, leading to further questioning. To effectuate change, the query should be rephrased: \"What changes are necessary to prevent such a class of failure in the future?\"\n\nThe author encountered situations where the incident's cause was ambiguous, such as one team owning a task despite the absent team member's absence, or frequent requirement changes during a launch window. Similarly, alerts often fired amidst numerous lower-priority alerts, suggesting a need to enhance alert efficiency. The focus, therefore, should be on system changes rather than personnel alterations. If post-mortems primarily address procedural improvements, they may lack substance, as people's decisions are typically context-driven.\n\nFor effective change, the inquiry should be: \"If the same scenario repeated, what would lead to a distinct outcome?\" The process should compel decisive actions, and the system should inherently prevent recurrence of similar mistakes. It is crucial not to overengineer systems, as this may stifle productivity. Sometimes, acknowledging the inherent risk is more beneficial than attempting to rectify the situation. Empathy should not serve as a shield to avoid necessary changes. Leaders can convey belief in their team members without seeking personal explanations.",
  "summary": "Article URL: https://michaelheap.com/i-dont-want-the-details/ Comments URL: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=49815466 Points: 238 # Comments: 153",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}