# I don't want the details

> Leaders trust teams to fix problems without details.
- Title: I don't want the details · Michaelheap | Shortify
- Summary: Leaders trust teams to fix problems without details. Leaders should focus on changes to prevent recurring failures, not explanations of past mistakes.
- Keywords: svp, engineering, postmortem, process, change, leadership, technology, startups, don't, want, details, Michaelheap
- Source: Michaelheap — https://michaelheap.com/i-dont-want-the-details
- Published: 2026-09-23T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: svp, engineering, postmortem, process, change, leadership, technology, startups
## The call
A few months ago I was dragged into a call with my engineering counterpart and their boss (who happens to be our SVP of engineering).
## The refusal
They cut me off with 'Michael, I don't want the details'.

> Michael, I don't want the details
## The reason
They believed we were competent and wanted to know what changes would prevent recurrence.
## The question
After something goes wrong, most organizations ask 'why did this happen?' instead of 'what changes will prevent it?'
## The problem
A good explanation can make things worse if it stops people from fixing the system.
## The solution
Focus on changes to the system, not people, to prevent the same failure from happening again.
## Key takeaway

Leaders should focus on changes to prevent recurring failures, not explanations of past mistakes.