management
Prioritizing The Grind
February 1st 2024It really is easy to let the day-to-day grind get away from you. I think I have a few simple rules that help me make decisions about daily events quickly and maintain the values I like to think bleed through for the team to stay engaged and happy.
Play The Long Game
June 5th 2023Manage people, not productivity. There are so many that have their priorities completely backward when it comes to the leading a team.
Expect No Loyalty
February 6th 2023Do not be loyal to any employer. They do nothing to earn it, they have none for you. Companies talk about people being their most important asset, but this is only true while they have no choice. Do what you need to take care of yourself, your career, and your family. Leapfrog your way through your career and feel no guilt.
Soft Skills Are The Hard Part
November 8th 2022When I hear the term "soft skills" I generally get a bit triggered. Many times these skills are ignored, dismissed, or even mocked, especially in software and engineering circles. Not only do I consider them harder, but more important than the so-called "hard skills".
What Dad Does Now
July 20th 2022Explaining what it feels like to be engineering manager to a six year old, and I think to myself. It involves many unglamorous and difficult things that need to be done no matter what and no matter when.
A Thousand Feet Back
April 20th 2022It can be helpful to give your team a performance review every few months. If you put the effort in, you will see just how quickly all things on your team move in a positive direction.
On Repetition
February 17th 2022Repeating things a lot was not something I expected to be a thing as a manager.
Management Owns Burnout
October 14th 2021If the team you manage is spinning out of control due to burnout, it is your fault. What do we do now?
Gentle Onboarding
September 23rd 2021A few things I like to do for new team members.
Making Technical Interviews Real
August 12th 2021Some small rules to make your technical interviews stand out and be enjoyed by everyone involved.