Inactive Lead Guide

Playbook to remove inactive leads

This is a set of rules which can be used to remove an inactive lead from the development team. The rules were put in place and agreed by all current leads, and all newly promoted leads must agree to be bound by these rules as a condition of accepting the post. The intention is to allow for fair and drama-free removal of an inactive lead for the benefit of the project.

We define an inactive lead as one who has, in the last three months:

1. Not responded to Discord pings or messages from any member of the lead team

2. Not attended lead meetings without sending apologies

3. Regularly neglected carrying out routine departmental duties within a reasonable timeframe (usually a month or less for most activities) without giving advanced notice or explanation, such as:

   1. not responding to messages from contributors

   2. not assigning available tasks to contributors, especially where inaction has caused bottlenecks

   3. not merging anything into the build (if a developer)

   4. not responding to applications

   5. not sending any messages on the Discord server

Leads who the rest of the lead team agree meet the criteria within the three month timeframe, will be sent a formal message from a member of the lead team noting their inactivity, and asking that they reply to confirm whether they intend to re-engage with their department, take an extended leave of absence, or leave the project. They will be given a deadline of two weeks to respond.

If this deadline has been reached without a response having been given, they will have all lead permissions removed, will be marked as inactive, and will be sent a Discord direct message by a member of the lead team notifying them of the decision and the reasons for their removal as lead.

It is very important to emphasize that inactivity is not an issue if the lead team is informed about an extended absence so that they can ensure suitable cover is in place.

Nor is it necessary for someone taking an extended absence to give a specific reason why they cannot carry out their lead duties; a simple warning of “I will not be available next month” is sufficient – we do not intend to pry into people’s private lives! Please just make sure that another lead knows about your absence to prevent misunderstandings.

These rules are meant to keep Skywind running and alive. Leads need to be active and available on the Discord platform to continue development.

If a lead has been removed from their position and they return, they will not be automatically reinstated as a lead. This will depend on the current needs of the project, and whether another member of their department has been promoted into the vacant position.