The Async-First Playbook

This website is home to “The Async-First Playbook”. If you run a remote, or distributed software development team, then this book will teach you how to collaborate effectively in them.

Don’t just adapt in-person collaboration techniques to a world that’s now distributed by default. Embrace new tools and communication mediums to help your teams become more effective, inclusive and fun to work in. Learn to deliver exception results together - without the fatigue and burnout.

Now available wherever you get your books!

If there’s a platform you usually get your books from, that you don’t see listed here, please let me know. I’ll do my best to get you the book!

To learn more, check out my media appearances and the talks I’ve delivered.

What leaders are saying about the book

  • “This playbook will empower you to lead and build differently. All that you need is an open mind and a belief that the status quo isn't worthy of defining the future.”

    Darren Murph

  • "Sumeet has reflected on what situations meetings are necessary, and when they can (and should) be replaced by asynchronous techniques. This book sets out what he's learned, and is a guide to improving our collaboration even as we sit further apart."

    Martin Fowler

  • “Understanding the playbook for implementing async-first practices is a must-do for any leader moving into this type of operating system. Sumeet and his team have done a phenomenal job outlining that here.”

    Chase Warrington

  • "The async-first playbook thoroughly examines effective asynchronous work practices' benefits and challenges too."

    Lisette Sutherland

  • “A comprehensive guide for teams and leaders looking to optimise their remote work practices for a distributed world.”

    Tyler Selhorn

  • "At a time when organisations are experimenting with how to make the most of remote work, Sumeet offers a step-by-step approach on how to make software development practices more inclusive and future-proof."

    Pilar Orti

  • "I recommend this book to anyone seeking to unlock the full potential of remote collaboration and achieve better outcomes for their team."

    Iwo Szapar

  • "As a hands-on leader, and technology practitioner, Sumeet shares both the intuition and the blueprint of how to make magic happen as an async-first team."

    Sunita Venkatachalam

  • "Whether you're a developer, manager, or senior leader, this book will provide you with the tools you need to succeed in the new world of work."

    Sunil Mundra

  • "Collaboration is going async. The advantages are too great: global reach - which enables more inclusion - and timezone immunity. Sumeet excellently decomposes the issues. And by zeroing in on async leadership, he tackles the elephant in the async room: leadership. Yes, you_can_be an effective leader, asynchronously."

    Cliff Berg

Get the sample chapter