---
title: "Three priorities rule"
description: "A way to keep a growing company aligned on a few things."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/three-priorities-rule/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Three priorities rule

> A way to keep a growing company aligned on a few things.

Emma Grede's framework, from Start With Yourself, pp. 49 to 237.

Framework 11 of 14 from [Start With Yourself](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/index.md) by Emma Grede. Category: Hiring and teams.

## The steps

1. **Choose three.** Have no more than three priorities, because priority means the first thing.
2. **Ladder work up to them.** Make sure each department's work serves the three.
3. **Ask the question on every opportunity.** Does this align with one of our three priorities?
4. **Repeat compulsively.** Keep galvanising the team toward the same few goals.
5. **Build routines.** Use daily routines so fewer decisions are needed and focus becomes culture.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: Part Three: Old Thoughts, pp. 49–237

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/three-priorities-rule.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/three-priorities-rule-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/three-priorities-rule.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/start-with-yourself/three-priorities-rule-dark.png