Newsletters

Software Delivery Process

November 06, 2022

In this issue, explore a step-by-step guide to the software delivery process, learn how to handle employee resignations, delve into Conway's Law, and discover tools for engineering managers to enhance team effectiveness.

What are the benefits of a microservices architecture?

October 30, 2022

In this issue, explore the benefits of microservices architecture, improve your development experience, and learn about group dynamics. Plus, discover the Iterative-Hypothesis method and InfluxDB's new storage engine, IOx.

Why is Everything So Slow? Measuring and Optimising How Engineering Teams Deliver

October 23, 2022

In this issue, explore optimizing engineering team speed, managing time effectively, the implications of short job tenures, balancing codebase complexity, and fostering innovation and engagement within teams.

How to run an effective retrospective

October 16, 2022

This issue covers effective team retrospectives, the challenges of product-engineering collaboration, handling tough feedback, the role of Performance Improvement Plans, and insights on hiring top talent. Don't miss out.

Building a Data-driven Hiring Machine

October 09, 2022

In this issue, explore building a data-driven hiring machine, demystifying software architecture patterns, and understanding the roles of a manager. Plus, discover insights on personal development plans in engineering.

Your CTO Should Actually Be Technical

October 02, 2022

In this issue, we explore the role of a technical CTO, share resources for leadership challenges, discuss design methodologies, and introduce Zigi, a Slack-based workflow assistant to boost your productivity.

On the team as a system

September 25, 2022

In this issue, we explore the dynamics of team collaboration, the importance of cultivating company culture, and effective strategies for engineering all-hands meetings. Plus, insights on navigating hiring challenges in uncertain times.

What is a Solutions Architect (and how can you become one)?

September 18, 2022

This week’s newsletter explores the role of Solutions Architects, the impact of management by metrics, and the importance of tackling difficult tasks for career growth. Plus, insights on team sizes and scaling apps.

Debugging Teams: Groundhog Day

September 11, 2022

This issue explores team dynamics and performance, tackling challenges like stagnation and the importance of psychological safety. Discover metrics that matter, the Viable Systems Model, and tips for effective executive one-on-ones.

Why are you so busy?

September 04, 2022

This issue explores the challenges of balancing quality and speed in software engineering, the importance of sustainable work pace, and innovative upskilling methods for your development team.

How to Be a Senior Leader

August 28, 2022

In this issue, explore career advancement strategies, team growth structures, and the surprising dynamics of managing multiple reports. Plus, discover insights on project deadlines and software architecture.

The Product Culture Shift

August 21, 2022

In this issue, we explore the challenges of integrating product management in traditional software organizations, strategies for thriving in a recession, the pitfalls of destructive metrics, and insights on preventing leader burnout.

Getting Big Things Done

August 14, 2022

In this issue, explore tools beyond psql for PostgreSQL, insights on justifying major design changes, reducing friction in teams, and transitioning to Basecamp’s “Shape Up” methodology. Dive into practical guidance for developers.

How to upskill your engineering team

August 07, 2022

In this issue, we explore upskilling for engineers, on-call compensation data, the power of solution architecture diagrams, strategies for promotions, and a free eBook on deploying Django projects.

A framework for Engineering Managers

July 31, 2022

In this issue, explore a framework for engineering managers, tips for effective feedback, the hidden costs of software features, strategies to overcome scaling challenges, and the importance of finishing tasks for team productivity.

Risk, decisons, and scarcity

July 24, 2022

In this issue, we explore risk and decision-making in leadership, hiring strategies for growth, personal career progression, the pitfalls of long-term planning in software development, and the challenges of legacy system integration.

You will always have more Problems than Engineers

July 17, 2022

This week’s newsletter dives into the challenges of hyper-growth IT, the complexities of software development, and effective decision-making strategies. Discover insights on managing team dynamics and overcoming managerial obstacles.

Operating Well: What I Learned at Stripe

July 10, 2022

In this issue, explore key insights on operating effectively, organizational structure, and software architecture. Learn how to navigate growth and manage change with practical strategies and reusable solutions.

The 7 roles of a CTO

July 03, 2022

In this issue, we explore the multifaceted role of a CTO, the complexities of decision-making, the challenges facing automotive software teams, and tips for advancing to architect roles in IT. Plus, insights on prioritization as a political challenge.

Software Engineering RFC and Design Doc Templates

June 26, 2022

This issue features insights into effective software development practices, from crafting RFCs and design docs to fostering innovation in large companies. Discover the true essence of software architecture and the pitfalls of splitting developer time.