Newsletters

What good leaders do when replacing bad leaders

April 25, 2021

In this issue, explore strategies for effective leadership transitions, the importance of career development as a manager, and the value of investing in undervalued talent. Plus, insights on overcoming organizational stagnation and the role of career ladders in tech.

A reading list for new engineering managers

April 18, 2021

This issue features insights for new engineering managers, lessons from Airbnb product teams, strategies for handling resignations gracefully, and a fresh perspective on prioritization. Plus, a free book on building large-scale mobile apps.

Becoming a manager in 2021

April 11, 2021

In this issue, we explore essential tips for new managers in 2021, navigating uncertainty in answers, effective onboarding strategies, interview question insights, and methods for sprint planning. Perfect for today's agile leaders.

If your boss could do your job, you’re more likely to be happy at work

April 04, 2021

In this issue, we explore the impact of effective leadership on job satisfaction, healthy goal-setting for teams, nurturing design in software culture, traits of a good technical manager, and the future of management post-Covid.

How to keep your job as CTO

March 28, 2021

In this issue, explore essential insights for CTOs, the intricacies of engineering org design, finance fundamentals for non-finance directors, and a handy checklist for new engineering managers. Unlock your potential.

Handling the Emotional Weight of 1:1s

March 21, 2021

This issue focuses on supporting your team through emotional challenges, enhancing promotion processes, optimizing time as a CTO, reducing excessive meetings, and leveraging the strength of mixed seniority engineering teams.

On technical debt

March 14, 2021

In this issue, we explore the nuances of technical debt, effective meeting strategies, talent retention, expectations for software developers, and the importance of values alignment in hiring. Discover insights for better team dynamics.

Measures of engineering impact

March 07, 2021

This week's issue delves into the true measures of engineering impact, the magic of a great developer experience, leading without authority, executive team dynamics during rapid growth, and tips for effective performance reviews.

Mistakes I've Made as an Engineering Manager

February 28, 2021

In this issue, explore valuable lessons from engineering management, the value of diverse skill sets, the importance of an engineering vision for scaling teams, decision-making principles, and strategies to cultivate a sense of accomplishment.

Remaining Technical as an Engineering Leader

February 21, 2021

In this issue, we explore leadership in tech with insights on technical involvement, hiring first leaders, and the importance of soft skills. We also discuss implementing levels in engineering and the ongoing costs of software maintenance.

The "Dirty" Secret of High Performing Product Teams

February 14, 2021

This week’s newsletter dives into effective product team strategies, tools for change agents, tackling employee attrition, and mastering the art of saying no to stakeholders. Elevate your leadership skills.

Improvement Sprints

February 07, 2021

Explore this issue featuring insights on SRE principles, enhancing CI quality through metrics, the importance of engineering productivity, and strategies for managing technical debt. Elevate your team's innovation and decision-making.

Make Boring Plans

January 31, 2021

This issue explores the importance of stability in tech choices, effective team building, measuring technical debt, delivering impactful feedback, and strategic roadmap crafting. Dive in for insights that can elevate your approach.

Expecting Developers to Leave

January 24, 2021

In this issue, we explore strategies to reduce developer turnover, the importance of honesty in leadership, fostering cohesive teams, the benefits of flexible work structures, and tackling software maintenance challenges.

From Software Engineer to CTO

January 17, 2021

In this issue, explore the journey from Software Engineer to CTO, lessons learned in leadership, insights on hiring great product managers, and the impact of new technologies on our work. Dive in for inspiration and growth.

Maximizing Developer Effectiveness

January 10, 2021

This week’s issue explores developer effectiveness through feedback loops, shares leadership lessons from a Product Design Manager, examines incident management strategies, discusses team responsibility patterns, and offers tips for presenting to executives.

Why Google Cloud Platform lost to AWS despite having better tech

January 03, 2021

In this issue, explore why Google Cloud faltered against AWS, learn timeless coaching lessons from Vince Lombardi, and discover engineering principles for success. Plus, insights from Facebook's CTO and tips for effective engineering management.

Tech Lead Management roles are a trap

December 27, 2020

In this issue, we explore the challenges of tech lead manager roles, reflect on organizational growth, discuss the legacy of Google’s 20% time policy, and highlight the importance of using OKRs for team success over individual goals.

What makes a good remote team?

December 20, 2020

This week, we explore the dynamics of remote teams, common leadership pitfalls, the challenges faced by promoted developers, the evolving role of CTOs, and the complexities of measuring developer productivity.

Dealing with Remote Team Challenges

December 13, 2020

This week’s newsletter dives into remote team dynamics, effective onboarding strategies, the use of OKRs in product management, and insights on impactful 1-on-1s. Discover how to enhance productivity and foster team connection.