Newsletters

A practical guide to working with your manager

May 11, 2025

This issue delves into effective management techniques, from managing up and conducting productive 1:1s to setting startup policies. Explore insights on building a strong engineering culture and scaling software products.

Why high performers make assertions

May 04, 2025

This week’s issue features insights on making impactful assertions, future-proofing your career in AI, and the essence of proactive employees. Plus, explore strategic thinking principles and the function of strategy.

How to collaborate cross-functionally

April 27, 2025

In this issue, explore effective cross-functional collaboration, prioritization techniques, and the myth of objectivity in strategy. Plus, discover core values for organizational success and insights on leading from the front.

Stop Working for Loser Strategists

April 20, 2025

This issue explores career strategies, leadership insights, and the nuanced relationship between strengths and weaknesses. Gain valuable tips on navigating tech debt, fostering effective communication, and enhancing your qualifications for leadership roles.

Don’t ever page me

April 13, 2025

In this issue, we explore strategies for enhancing productivity and decision-making. From reshaping work routines to mastering time management techniques, discover insights to optimize your workflow and leadership skills.

Advice for time management as a manager

April 06, 2025

This issue features insights on time management for managers, crafting compelling leadership CVs, and building effective engineering strategies. Plus, explore the importance of shared understanding in organizations and the pitfalls of "busyness" in Agile practices.

Revenge of the junior developer

March 30, 2025

This issue explores the evolution of AI coding, the rise of "Product Engineers," and the balance between product and engineering roles. Discover insights on backlog management, the nature of "debt," and effective frameworks for innovation.

Influence Without Authority

March 23, 2025

In this issue, we explore the art of influence without authority, the importance of continuous buy-in during projects, and insights from engineering managers at Flo. Plus, we dissect harmful non-apologies and share project management strategies.

Delegating Complex Tasks

March 16, 2025

This issue dives into effective delegation strategies for leaders, the power of positive feedback, and the pitfalls of cutting middle management. Plus, we explore the importance of interdisciplinary approaches to tackle complex challenges.

Should managers still code?

March 09, 2025

In this issue, explore the role of coding in management, navigate the challenges of organizational change, and discover how to foster strategic contributions from all team members. Plus, rethink the MVP mindset for transformative goals.

Hands-On

March 02, 2025

In this issue, we explore tech-savvy strategies for engineering managers, tackle difficult employee dynamics, and delve into the entrepreneurial mindset. Plus, discover key traits for impactful teamwork and strategic contexts for business growth.

How to develop capability in your team

February 23, 2025

In this issue, we explore key insights on team capability development, the business impact of technical projects, and effective management practices. Plus, a real-life analogy on software estimation challenges.

Why are big tech companies so slow?

February 16, 2025

This issue dives into the complexities of big tech's pace, career growth opportunities in various company types, and strategies for effective data access and company culture. Explore insights from industry leaders on navigating challenges and maximizing growth.

The Startup Drake Equation

February 09, 2025

In this issue, explore the "Startup Drake Equation" to understand startup failures, learn to communicate difficult decisions without apologies, and discover alternative product development processes. Plus, strategies for handling strong opinions.

Unpopular Defaults for High-Performing Tech Organizations

February 02, 2025

In this issue, we explore unconventional tech leadership principles, the dynamics of bureaucracies, effective information management, and the crucial role of accountability in scaling organizations.

Depthfinding for Managing Performance

January 26, 2025

In this issue, explore strategies for managing underperformance with depthfinding, build high-performance teams with essential tools, and learn effective goal-setting techniques. Gain insights into engineering culture and value generation in the workplace.

Sharing the thinking process with machines

January 19, 2025

In this issue, explore how AI enhances our cognitive processes, the nuances of Lean principles in organizations, the impact of interruptions on software engineering, and effective feedback strategies.

The Best Product Engineering Org in the World

January 12, 2025

This issue explores productivity measurement in engineering, career growth frameworks, reputation dynamics in tech companies, and the challenges of delegation in scaling. Plus, a critical look at corporate risk management practices.

Beyond Staff Engineer

January 05, 2025

Welcome back. This issue features insightful articles on technical leadership, effective team dynamics, and refining engineering strategies. Plus, we introduce new sections on industry trends and security.

The Adaptive Chief Technology Officer

December 22, 2024

In this final issue of 2024, we explore essential leadership insights for tech executives, from adaptive CTO roles to effective feedback techniques. Share your thoughts for next year's topics and enjoy the festive break.