Newsletters

The building blocks of scale

September 12, 2021

This week’s issue dives into mobile team dynamics, the evolving definition of "product," effective coaching for high performers, decision paralysis, and the challenges faced by software developers in enterprise projects.

Software development waste

September 05, 2021

This week, we explore software development challenges, from wasted time in projects to the importance of closing calls in hiring. Plus, we discuss agile principles, title changes in job switches, and structuring career paths for engineers.

How to influence without authority

August 29, 2021

In this issue, we explore essential insights for Product Managers on influencing without authority, the importance of post-incident reviews, and rethinking best practices in product development. Discover how to foster a culture of low-risk learning and navigate product-led growth strategies.

The politics of choosing a tech stack

August 22, 2021

In this issue, explore the nuances of selecting a tech stack, the pitfalls of productivity metrics, managing team backlogs, and tips for building effective cross-functional teams. Dive in for insights that matter.

Simple systems have less downtime

August 15, 2021

This week’s edition explores efficient systems with the Maersk Triple-E ship, self-managed teams at Riot Games, remote work innovations, DevOps insights, and the paradox of coordination in organizations.

Patterns of legacy displacement

August 08, 2021

This week, explore patterns for effective legacy software displacement, learn key laws of software estimation, and discover ways to boost your development team's productivity. Plus, insights on retaining engineers and a free eBook on Docker security.

Why is it so hard to decide to buy?

August 01, 2021

This week’s issue dives into the challenges of buying vs. building software, the importance of flow for developers, evolving software development heuristics, the legacy of the Agile Manifesto, and tips for delivering positive feedback.

Guiding critical projects without micromanaging

July 25, 2021

In this issue, explore the balance between flexibility and guidance in leadership, the importance of genuine time off for colleagues, and insights on unconscious bias. Plus, delve into productivity vs. efficiency in software development.

Sharing our engineering career framework with the world

July 18, 2021

This week’s newsletter highlights Dropbox’s transparent Engineering Career Framework, effective onboarding strategies for new developers, insights on organizational structure, application security tips, and the importance of rest in combating burnout.

Writing our 3-year technical vision

July 11, 2021

This week’s newsletter dives into crafting a 3-year technical vision, essential micro-habits for impactful management, managing team dynamics, the pitfalls of problem-solving advice, and tips for productive meetings.

Software Engineering principles to make teams better

July 04, 2021

This week’s issue dives into software engineering principles to enhance team dynamics and leadership strategies for effective communication. Discover how trust can eliminate code reviews, assess team maturity, and foster coachability for growth.

My leadership Document — 2021 edition

June 27, 2021

This week’s issue explores the multifaceted nature of leadership. Discover effective communication strategies for new managers, insights into software testing at top organizations, and essential coaching rules for developing leaders.

Rituals for hypergrowth: An inside look at how YouTube scaled

June 20, 2021

This issue highlights key insights on scaling strategies from YouTube, Docker's shift to remote work, tips to engage long-term employees, and the importance of decision tree analysis for effective decision-making.

What if you dread 1:1s with a direct report?

June 13, 2021

This week’s newsletter tackles the challenges of 1:1s, the role of Product Owners, effective software estimation, building teams in high-growth environments, and rethinking product development strategies to reduce risk.

Barrels and ammunition

June 06, 2021

This week’s newsletter highlights the importance of effective project kickoff strategies, the vital PM & EM partnership for success, challenges in software estimation, and optimizing bug fix policies to enhance team efficiency.

Maker to manager  —  How we support new leaders

May 30, 2021

In this issue, explore leadership transitions, the challenges of hiring, nurturing management skills, managing growing pains in expanding teams, and the benefits of trunk-only development. Get insights to navigate your team's evolution.

Positive feedback is different from praise

May 23, 2021

This issue explores key insights on positive feedback, effective calendar management, and the true essence of leadership roles. Plus, we dive into retrospective antipatterns and the fears CEOs have about remote work. Discover more.

The art of the tick tock doc

May 16, 2021

This issue explores the art of collaboration in tech, effective remote meetings, stakeholder management tactics, and the importance of feedback. Get insights on adapting to the evolving workplace landscape.

How setting arbitrary deadlines can hurt developers

May 09, 2021

In this issue, we delve into the impact of deadlines on developers, strategies for hiring engineering managers, the pitfalls of poorly articulated strategies, and the importance of psychological safety in teams. Plus, discover best practices for remote software engineering.

Treat your onboarding process like your build system

May 02, 2021

This issue covers essential insights for tech leaders: optimizing onboarding, effective feedback models, the challenges of shared services in agility, and strategies for building strong team foundations. Dive in for actionable advice.