I once worked with a brilliant software engineer who quietly solved a major system issue in the middle of the night. By morning, no one even noticed there had been a crisis. Business as usual. Everything ran smoothly. When I found out, I realized just how easy it is for crucial contributions to slip by without anyone pausing to say, […]
If you are part of a large organization, the term “dependencies” probably means more than software packages. In a big organization, when we talk about “dependencies,” we’re diving into more than just software stuff. It’s about all the other teams we’re on this journey with. For us engineering leaders, figuring out the dance between needing stuff from others (downstream) and […]
A healthy level of competition can fuel innovation, drive individuals to excel, and push teams to achieve remarkable results. However, when competition crosses the line and becomes overly aggressive, it can hinder the growth and productivity of the team as a whole. I don’t think competition is inherently negative. It becomes problematic when it starts overshadowing the team. Over the […]
At its essence, leadership is not about big speeches or decisive commands. It’s about listening. I know it sounds like a cliché but think about how many times you’ve sat with someone and they clearly didn’t care. They avoided eye contact they were distracted by their phone or something else and you could tell their attention was somewhere else. And […]
Leadership, in my eyes, has always been a blend of natural inclination and learned skills. Reflecting on my own path to becoming a leader, I’ve realized it’s not just about innate abilities or formal training. It’s a journey deeply rooted in personal experiences, observations, and the willingness to grow. Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. […]