Newsletters

Meetings for an effective eng organization

January 22, 2023

This issue explores the value of effective meetings, resilience in software teams, and the nuances of tech and product debt. Discover insights on software architecture documentation and the distinction between feature factories and value generators.

Management Debt

January 15, 2023

In this issue, we explore management debt in teams, the evolving role of architects, the pitfalls of restrictive roadmaps, and the debate between modules versus microservices. Plus, tips on cutting unproductive meetings.

How to become a better mentor

January 08, 2023

Welcome back and Happy New Year. 🎉 This issue covers mentoring new developers, improving onboarding documentation, advancing to a Staff Engineer role, managing power dynamics, and Netflix's API with GraphQL Federation. Happy reading. 📚

Doing "No" Better

December 18, 2022

In this issue, we explore the art of saying "no" gracefully, incident categorization insights, a new debugging manifesto, performance metrics in engineering, and the role of an engineering manager. Happy holidays. 🎄

The Angel’s in the Details

December 11, 2022

In this issue, discover how small details can drive success, effective remote work tips from Shopify, and strategies for risk mitigation. Plus, explore building strong relationships and aligning personal values in your career.

Company, team, self

December 04, 2022

In this issue, we explore strategies for effective team management, the pitfalls of layered architecture, and the importance of meaningful software engineering metrics. Plus, insights on balancing conflicting goals in product development.

The Perks of a High-Documentation, Low-Meeting Work Culture

November 27, 2022

This week’s issue features a wealth of insights on effective work cultures, engineering design at scale, and navigating reorganizations. Dive in for valuable lessons and strategies to enhance your team's productivity.

The Modern Observability Problem

November 20, 2022

Explore the modern observability challenge, strategies for cutting losses, the hidden costs of complexity, and the importance of accountability in software development. Plus, a unique hiring experience from Yahoo.

The Senior Shift

November 13, 2022

This issue explores key insights on engineering career growth, adapting methodologies in teams, personal development traits, and strategic leadership. Plus, a personal touch with a new digital piano and music motivation.

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.