Newsletters

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.

A Field Guide to Team Dynamics and Conflict

December 15, 2024

In this issue, explore the transformative power of AI in product strategy, learn about managing team dynamics, and discover effective crisis management techniques. Plus, insights on engineering impact systems and new manager challenges await.

Grifters, believers, grinders, and coasters

December 08, 2024

In this issue, explore the dynamics of software engineers, learn to assess risk effectively, understand the balance between data-driven and data-informed decisions, and discover strategies for fostering ownership culture in teams.

Hey, wait – is employee performance really Gaussian distributed?

December 01, 2024

This issue explores innovative perspectives on employee performance, effective communication strategies in growing organizations, and engaging presentation formats. Dive into insights on goal-setting at Meta and the distinction between Staff Engineers and Engineering Managers.

Maintain Your Technical Edge As An Engineering Manager

November 24, 2024

In this issue, discover practical strategies for engineering managers to maintain their technical edge, tackle impostor syndrome, navigate hiring dilemmas, and provide effective feedback to senior leaders—all while enhancing team dynamics.

How hard can it be to buy software?

November 17, 2024

In this issue, we explore the complexities of software purchasing and implementation, the vital roles of engineering managers, effective project shipping in tech, collaboration styles in development, and alternative goal-setting strategies.

Radiate intent

November 10, 2024

This issue explores effective communication with "radiating intent," the importance of mastering basic skills for quality work, resource allocation for product teams, and using systems modeling to refine strategies.

Steve Ballmer was an underrated CEO

November 03, 2024

This issue explores Steve Ballmer's underestimated impact on Microsoft, innovative team prioritization strategies, AI's role in boosting developer productivity at eBay, and a candid look at working at Amazon. Dive into these insights.

Dear CTO: it's not 2015 anymore

October 27, 2024

In this issue, we explore the evolving engineering landscape post-pandemic, tackle Tog's Paradox and its implications on software development, and discuss the challenges of setting expectations for new software engineers and decision-making pitfalls for leaders.

A Culture of Good Decision-Making

October 20, 2024

This issue explores essential decision-making strategies for organizations, the importance of fairness at work, coping mechanisms for managers, and the pitfalls of focusing solely on hiring senior engineers. Dive in for valuable insights.