After 18 years in tech, I’ve seen documentation fail in almost every way possible. From outdated wikis that no one reads to massive Google Doc graveyards that make your eyes glaze over. But I’ve also discovered what actually works. Here’s the real deal on documentation that people will actually use. The Hard Truth About Documentation… Read More The Real Guide to Engineering Documentation: What Actually Works
After 18 years in tech, from NOC Engineer at Lockheed Martin to senior engineering roles, I’ve learned that goal setting isn’t just about ticking boxes on a performance review. It’s about strategic thinking that separates senior engineers from the pack. Here’s how to approach it properly. The Problem with Traditional Goal Setting Most engineers fall… Read More Set Goals Like A Senior Software Engineer
Discover the layoff process in large companies, where managers rank employees and HR uses “unbiased”, data-driven formulas to decide who stays. Key factors influencing layoffs include location, performance, productivity, salary, progression, cost center vs. profit center status, and future investment in teams. Employees with higher scores face higher layoff risks. Learn strategies to boost your job security by enhancing performance, showing potential, and aligning with business priorities.… Read More 5 Ways to Avoid Getting Laid Off: Reverse Engineer the McKinsey 9 box talent matrix
This article draws parallels between historical and modern practices to highlight the importance of control, mentorship, and competition in fostering innovation. The push to return to the office mirrors the centralization efforts seen in the construction of the Uffizi by the Medici, designed to consolidate power and nurture creativity. Similarly, the division of labor in Renaissance art, exemplified by The Baptism of Christ, reflects the modern practice of senior software engineers guiding junior developers. Finally, just as competition among Renaissance artists spurred innovation, bringing developers together in the office can drive creativity and excellence in software engineering.… Read More Three Timeless Lessons from Renaissance Italy for Modern Software Engineering
This article discusses the challenges that arise in software engineering teams when urgent requests from executives disrupt the workflow. It highlights the impact of scarcity mindset on attention and decision-making. The author shares a scenario where an urgent request from a Vice President derails ongoing work, leading to rushed implementation, lack of quality control, and future issues. The cultural differences and hierarchical leadership styles in lower-cost outsourcing destinations are also mentioned as factors that affect decision-making. Strategies for mitigating these challenges are presented, including the role of product managers in shielding the team, maintaining a well-prioritized backlog, and physically separating external requests from the team’s work.… Read More C-Requests: amigdala hijacking in software
Good managers will always encourage you and tell you that you’re doing a good job. Great managers will challenge you to mature as a software engineer. In my career I’ve observed EMs who “silent fire” someone by not spending enough time as a coach. The goal of this article is to remove this veil for… Read More Silent firing is Engineering Managers who don’t give feedback
The 9 Box Matrix is a tool developed by McKinsey in the 1970s to help GE prioritize investments across its business units: it would be a failure to use it for engineers.… Read More Why the McKinsey 9-Box Model Is Silently Destroying Engineering Teams (And What to Watch For)
Like most people, my career hasn’t been with a single team or company. I recently realized that I may have observed patterns with teams, organizations, companies in the last 20 years in software, but a list of warning signs isn’t something that’s readily available. As I went through my notes of the peaks in valleys… Read More The 6 Signs of a Tipping Point in Software Engineering Organizations
How do you know if you have an enterprise engineering team? If you do, how do you know if you have a strong product, team, and happy customers? Most companies aren’t doing enough with their enterprise tools. They usually have more junior engineers, creating buggy products running old platforms and technology. It takes months to… Read More Enterprise Engineering Teams: Why You Need a Strong One
I recently left my job of 10 years at PayPal (5 as an engineer, 5 as an engineering manager) to join Meta. One month into my new role seems like a great time to check-in and reflect on the past. … Read More The other side: 4 reasons why the grass is greener