Newsletters

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.

How Hard Should Your Employer Work To Retain You?

October 13, 2024

In this issue, explore employee retention dynamics in tech, regain control of meetings with practical scripts, and learn about effective feedback cycles. Plus, insights from a startup founder's journey and innovative project budgeting tips.

Conducting a Time Audit

October 06, 2024

In this issue, we explore time management challenges for leaders, the importance of relative growth in careers, and valuable insights for engineering managers. Plus, discover self-care strategies to enhance leadership effectiveness.

When, why, and how to stop coding as your day job

September 29, 2024

In this issue, explore the transition from coding to management, the balance of kind leadership, strategies for delivering bad news, and effective testing methods for better performance management.

Ignoring the Wisdom of Crowds

September 22, 2024

In this issue, explore the value and pitfalls of crowd wisdom, learn how to pick your battles in the workplace, and discover effective meeting strategies. Plus, gain insights into project scope management and timeless time management principles.

The 8 Mile Method

September 15, 2024

In this issue, we explore strategies for effective debate, addressing executive-startup mismatches, and leading teams under pressure. Plus, insights on founder management challenges and building a solid pay philosophy.

How to tame evil dependencies

September 08, 2024

This issue explores strategies for managing software dependencies, effective communication, transitioning to management, giving subjective feedback, and maintaining technical coherence in development. Get insightful tips for success.

The Myth of the First 90 Days

September 01, 2024

In this issue, we explore the realities of transitioning into engineering management, effective leadership priorities, 1:1 meeting strategies, and the importance of concise, impactful engineering strategies. Perfect for new managers.

How to become an expert in anything?

August 25, 2024

In this issue, discover how to master expertise with frameworks like Bloom's Taxonomy, rethink communication by eliminating confusing jargon, and learn to build effective teams. Plus, a new approach to tackling challenges awaits you.

Why doesn't advice work?

August 18, 2024

In this issue, we explore the complexities of advice and its impact, rethink engineering and management roles, critique Team Topologies, and offer insights on strategy and candidate engagement post-offer.

The Sarumans and The Radagasts

August 11, 2024

This issue explores the interplay of power and magic, critiques data-driven decision-making, warns against goal cascades, and offers strategies for mastering complex concepts. Dive in for fresh insights.

Typical First Years of Startup Engineering Leadership

August 04, 2024

In this issue, explore startup engineering leadership with insights on common pitfalls, effective exec team structures, and the importance of organizational design. Gain valuable guidance for team dynamics and context in coding.

Management at Pivotal

July 28, 2024

This issue explores innovative management styles, the importance of succession planning, and strategies for effective leadership. Learn how to avoid bottlenecks and enhance team dynamics in your organization.

Trust as a bottleneck to growing teams quickly

July 21, 2024

This issue explores trust as a key factor in team dynamics, the need for domain expertise, the pitfalls of story points, managing underperformers, and strategic models for executives. Dive in for insights on effective collaboration.

Leadership Strategies for Product Maturity Phases

July 14, 2024

This issue features insights on product maturity strategies, technical decision-making in car experiences, effective leadership frameworks, nurturing team culture, and the power of inversion for team dynamics. Dive in for actionable takeaways.

Career Advice: Simplifiers Go Far, Complexifiers Get Stuck

July 07, 2024

This issue explores the art of simplification in communication, team accountability, and effective goal management. Dive into insights on engineering conflicts and the dynamics of team interactions.

Are 1:1s Worth The Time?

June 30, 2024

In this issue, explore the value of 1:1 meetings, how to measure real progress in projects, and the importance of effective goal crafting. Plus, learn to enhance career conversations and align tech leadership behaviors for growth.

You need to understand the business to design a good engineering strategy

June 23, 2024

In this issue, we explore the intersection of business and engineering strategy, the importance of communication in teams, managing senior engineer fatigue, overlooked skills, and the art of leadership in software development.