Newsletters

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.

AI in software engineering at Google

June 16, 2024

In this issue, explore the impact of AI on software engineering, key strategies for building high-performance teams, the true motivations behind work recognition, and insights on startup potential.

Conflict

June 09, 2024

This issue dives into team dynamics, addressing bottlenecks, and leveraging sales insights for product development. Explore strategies for effective engineering leadership and the complexities of data-driven decisions.

Dealing with creaky legacy platforms

June 02, 2024

This issue explores the challenges of modernizing legacy platforms, the power of effective incident reviews, and the importance of communication structures in organizations. Plus, insights on managing information overload and engineering leadership anti-patterns.

A Useful Productivity Measure

May 27, 2024

This issue explores productivity measurement, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of clear engineering documentation. Plus, we delve into the nuances of scaling software and the value of simplicity in product development.

What causes new engineers to “sink or swim”?

May 19, 2024

In this issue, we explore key factors in onboarding new engineers, insights on organizational layers and their challenges, essential techniques for software architects, strategies for gaining buy-in, and the importance of separation in decision-making.

Where to Start with Strategy?

May 12, 2024

In this issue, explore strategic insights from Roger Martin, tips for managing high performers, and essential skills for engineering growth. Also, discover a new software engineering career ladder. Don't miss out.

Design Docs at Google

May 05, 2024

In this issue, explore Google's design docs for software engineering, strategies for maintaining technical coherence, and insights on managing cognitive load in tech teams. Plus, learn how to navigate uncertainty with the Cynefin Framework.