Newsletters

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.

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.