Managing Mistakes People Driven Development podcast

45:46

Morgan and Eddie delve into the complex topic of ethics in engineering leadership. They explore the four primary goals of ethical tech development: protecting people from harm, treating people fairly, enabling people to understand and challenge decisions, and safeguarding rights and freedoms. They cover frameworks such as IEEE, ACM, and IFIP's codes of ethics, biases in AI, algorithmic fairness, and practical measures like smart data retention, transparency, and accountability. The episode underscores the importance of ethical decision-making in technology and fosters a deeper understanding of how engineering leaders can navigate moral gray areas. (00:00) - Introduction and Episode Overview (00:30) - Listener's Ethical Dilemma (02:21) - Defining Ethics in Engineering (04:27) - Professional Codes of Ethics (06:54) - Ethical Goals in Technology (08:50) - Protecting People from Harm (12:14) - Preventative Measures and Risk Assessment (14:00) - Granular User Access and Auditability (15:00) - Data Retention and User Experience (16:40) - Fail-Safe Defaults and Bounded Autonomy (19:34) - Treating People Fairly and Addressing Bias (21:32) - Understanding Bias in the Workplace (22:56) - The Impact of Bias on Organizational Fairness (23:27) - Managing Bias as a Leader (26:44) - Algorithmic Fairness: Challenges and Solutions (29:16) - Tools and Frameworks for Fairness (31:25) - The Importance of Transparency in AI (32:44) - Enabling Users to Challenge AI Decisions (40:10) - Engineering for the Greater Good (40:56) - Practical Tips for Ethical Enginee…

People Driven Development

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The Manager of Managers 50:57

hace 6 weeks50:57

50:57

Eddie and Morgan discuss a listener's question about managing managers in engineering. They explore various frameworks and strategies necessary for overseeing managers, touching upon crucial elements like clarity, alignment, and execution. They dig into the potential pitfalls of mismanaging through, and the importance of psychological safety, autonomy, and succession planning. With concrete examples and practical advice, this episode is essential for anyone navigating the complexities of engineering leadership. (00:00) - Introduction (00:07) - Understanding the Role of a Manager of Managers (00:41) - Listener's Question: Transitioning from IC to Senior Director (01:15) - Challenges of Managing Managers (01:51) - Defensible Organizational Design (02:41) - Frontline Managers vs. Managers of Managers (04:45) - The Value of Managers of Managers (05:40) - The Reality of Senior Management (11:28) - Diagnosing and Coaching Managers of Managers (12:12) - Clarity, Alignment, and Execution (17:24) - Measuring Clarity in Management (20:13) - Alignment in Management (26:10) - The Importance of a Writing Culture (27:18) - Transparent Decision Logs (28:17) - Standardized Release Cadence (29:45) - Execution Challenges (35:18) - Managing Through: The Micromanagement Trap (43:37) - Succession Planning and Using Power for Good (49:27) - Final Thoughts and Listener Feedback…

People Driven Development

1
Managing Mistakes 45:36

hace 12 weeks45:36

45:36

Eddie and Morgan delve into a listener's question about dealing with costly mistakes at work, particularly focusing on the tension between accountability and blame within engineering teams. They analyze a real-world dilemma faced by a new director of engineering at a series B startup and extend the discussion to include learnings from the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster. They discuss the difference between meta root causes of mistakes, strategies to create a risk-aware culture, and the importance of psychological safety. They also reflect on the principle of 'move fast and break things' and its relevance to different business models. (00:00) - Listener's Question: Balancing Proactiveness and Reactiveness (01:34) - Meeting the Team Where It Is (02:49) - Introduction to the Space Shuttle Columbia Disaster (04:52) - Organizational Barriers and Failures (07:12) - Analyzing Public Postmortems (08:08) - Root Causes of Production Problems (14:35) - Meta Root Causes and Organizational Impact (19:08) - Applying Meta Root Causes to the Columbia Disaster (21:00) - Relevance to Smaller Companies (23:22) - The Importance of Risk Management (23:49) - Meta Root Cause: Prioritization Challenges (24:53) - Psychological Safety in the Workplace (25:51) - DEI Programs and Industry Trends (26:43) - Generational Differences in Work Culture (29:36) - Decision-Making Frameworks (30:31) - Addressing Burnout and Low Drive (35:32) - Handling Mistakes and Accountability (43:35) - The Role of Mistakes in Engineering Cultures…

People Driven Development

1
The ReOrg 54:41

hace 15 weeks54:41

54:41

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan dive into the complexities of departmental reorganizations (reorgs). They provide an overview of the motivations and emotions behind reorgs, addressing why they often evoke strong reactions among employees. They different types of reorgs, such as rightsizing and rethinking, and explore the countervailing metrics that should be tracked to ensure the effectiveness of reorgs. They also touch on broader themes like effective communication, inclusivity, and the impact of emerging AI technologies on organizational design. Learn practical strategies for managing reorgs, maintaining team morale, and aligning organizational changes with business goals. (00:00) - Intro (00:22) - Understanding Reorganizations: Definition and Emotional Impact (01:13) - The Fear of Change and Its Consequences (03:57) - Transparency in Reorganizations: Pros and Cons (10:19) - Techniques for Effective Reorganizations (12:56) - Countervailing Metrics: Measuring the Impact of Reorgs (14:11) - Types of Reorganizations: Rightsizing and Rethinking (22:43) - Relocation and Mix and Match Reorgs (26:13) - Diving into Neurodivergent Inclusion (27:28) - Effective Communication During Change (27:58) - Handling Resistance and Skepticism (29:13) - Creating Safe Spaces for Feedback (30:03) - Strategies for Organizational Reorganization (31:11) - Exploring the Spotify Model (32:14) - Challenges with the Matrix Model (36:42) - The Role of Tiger Teams (40:07) - Layoffs and Organizational Defensibility (49:35) - AI Era Organizational Design (54:13) - Closing thoughts…

People Driven Development

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Where's my innovation? 54:38

hace 19 weeks54:38

54:38

In this episode, Morgan and Eddie address a question from a newly appointed VP of Engineering at a Series C company who is struggling to foster innovation. The discussion explores the challenges of reinvigorating stagnant growth while maintaining current product stability. They delve into the concepts of balancing immediate business needs with future innovations, employing the Toyota Production System (TPS) pillars—Jidoka and Just-In-Time—and methods such as value stream mapping, cost of delay analysis, and Monte Carlo simulations. The episode underscores the importance of adaptable engineering cultures and data-driven decision-making to unlock the next stage of company growth. (00:00) - Introduction (00:02) - The Challenge of Innovation in R&D (00:33) - A VP's Dilemma: Stagnation and Experimentation (01:19) - The Stakes of Innovation (02:10) - Understanding the Motivation for Innovation (02:46) - The Technology Product Lifecycle (04:39) - Balancing Innovation and Operational Efficiency (07:09) - The Three Horizons Framework (11:21) - The Importance of Adaptability (14:54) - Lessons from the Toyota Production System (16:48) - Implementing Jidoka: Automation with a Human Touch (24:50) - The Role of Decision Making in Innovation (29:55) - Handling Feedback and Authority (32:22) - Introduction to Just-in-Time Management (34:00) - Value Stream Mapping Explained (40:52) - Cost of Delay Analysis (51:02) - Monte Carlo Simulations…

People Driven Development

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Switching context 39:49

hace 22 weeks39:49

39:49

Eddie and Morgan discuss the challenges of productivity and time management in R&D organizations. The conversation delves into the inefficiencies caused by context switching, the value of large blocks of uninterrupted work, effective management practices, and the significance of having well-defined organization and communication norms. They introduce the concept of 'team hours' to improve productivity, and touch upon tools and approaches to minimize disruptions and maintain a focused work environment.Key points include the detrimental effects of instant messaging, the need for a consistent approach across all teams, and the potential of focused time management to enhance overall efficiency. (00:00) - Introduction and Today's Topic (00:51) - The AI Dilemma: Replacing Humans (01:58) - Macro vs. Micro Perspectives on AI (03:07) - Effective Management Strategies (04:54) - Listener's Question: Engineering Team Productivity (08:25) - The Cost of Context Switching (16:04) - Implementing Team Hours for Focused Work (20:19) - The Importance of Team Alignment (20:38) - Challenges of Global Team Coordination (22:09) - The Debate on No Meetings Day (23:52) - Instant Messaging: A Double-Edged Sword (26:07) - Effective Communication Strategies (31:30) - Managing Channels and Reducing FOMO (36:52) - Technical Aspects and Tooling (39:09) - Conclusion and Listener Engagement…

People Driven Development

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Systemic Imposter Syndrome 39:16

hace 28 weeks39:16

39:16

Morgan and Eddie focus on the topic of imposter syndrome in engineering organizations. The discussion centers on the impact of imposter syndrome and associated mindsets—perfectionists, superheroes, natural geniuses, and experts—on team dynamics and productivity. They examine the organizational roles in fostering or mitigating imposter syndrome, including the importance of structured onboarding, inclusive communication, and user-friendly code practices. Additionally, Eddie highlights the crucial need for supporting neurodivergent individuals in the workplace. The conversation aims to provide practical insights and solutions for engineering leaders to foster healthier, more supportive environments. (00:00) - Introduction (00:08) - Grace Hopper Celebration and Listener's Question (01:55) - Understanding Imposter Syndrome (05:12) - Exploring Imposter Syndrome Archetypes (22:19) - The Role of Organizations in Imposter Syndrome (30:18) - Addressing Systemic Causes and Solutions (34:09) - Neurodivergence and Workplace Inclusion (38:29) - Conclusion and Call to Action…

People Driven Development

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The Productivity Paranoia 1:08:30

hace 33 weeks1:08:30

1:08:30

Eddie and Morgan are joined by guest Erin Doyle, a staff software engineer at Lob. Together, they delve into developer productivity, exploring the balance between developer experience and organizational efficiency. They discuss challenges like cognitive overload, psychological safety, and the pitfalls of productivity metrics. The conversation highlights practical steps for fostering a productive engineering environment, focusing on key concepts such as Shift Left, developer joy, and the importance of clear ownership in tackling tech debt. (00:00) - Introduciton (01:23) - Understanding Developer Productivity (02:27) - Challenges in Developer Productivity (08:05) - The Impact of Metrics on Productivity (12:21) - Developer Joy and Its Importance (24:12) - Ownership and Responsibility in Developer Productivity (33:21) - The Importance of Context in Metrics (35:20) - Psychological Safety and Team Performance (37:50) - The Pitfalls of Productivity Metrics (39:19) - Building Trust (49:47) - Organizational Design for Productivity (58:59) - Addressing Technical Debt (01:04:27) - Final Thoughts on Developer Productivity…

People Driven Development

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Unit Economics is a thing 50:18

hace 36 weeks50:18

50:18

Morgan and Eddie explore the often-taboo topic of money in engineering organizations by tackling listener questions about explaining layoffs and budget cuts to a team. They break down how SaaS businesses operate, the factors influencing engineering budgets, and practical strategies for managing finances as an engineering leader. (00:00) - Introduction and Listener's Dilemma (01:13) - Understanding Corporate Finance (01:48) - Challenges of Discussing Money (02:50) - SaaS Finance 101 (04:36) - Financial Decision Making in Tech (08:59) - Engineering Budget Scrutiny (17:39) - Overhiring and Layoffs in Tech (21:07) - Strategies for Managing Budget Cuts (25:42) - Alignment of Values in Leadership (27:47) - Defensible Organizational Design (31:56) - Investment Allocation Strategies (33:28) - Build vs. Buy Decisions (35:34) - Importance of Fundamentals in Engineering (39:31) - Cost Consciousness and Budget Management (43:52) - Communicating Budget Changes to the Team (47:52) - Final Thoughts and Feedback…

People Driven Development

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People analytics 54:01

hace 40 weeks54:01

54:01

In this episode, Morgan and Eddie pivot from their usual Q&A format to discuss the crucial topic of individual performance assessment, particularly timely during mid-year reviews. They explore the complexities introduced by recent economic shifts, the significant role of perceived performance in career trajectory, and the challenges in achieving fairness and transparency. Key discussion points include the impact of luck on performance, how to consider proper sample sizes, providing actionable feedback, and the importance of regular, transparent communication. They also dive into practical solutions like separating reward and punishment from the performance cycle, fostering a team composition strategy, and considering the 'how' as much as the 'what' in evaluations. Finally, they offer strategies for just-in-time performance review preparations. (00:00) - The Importance of Performance Assessment (01:00) - Challenges of Performance Conversations (03:15) - The Role of Luck in Performance (07:31) - The Importance of Sample Size in Evaluations (11:00) - Feedback and Its Pitfalls (13:53) - Effective Performance Management Strategies (21:26) - Consistency and Avoiding Bias in Evaluations (26:56) - Growth Opportunities and Mitigating Failure (27:35) - Challenges with Staff Plus Roles (28:22) - Promotion Transparency and Organizational Honesty (30:27) - Role-Based Staff Plus Jobs (36:33) - Performance Calibration and Engineering Personas (41:41) - Addressing Tech Debt and Engineering Efficiency (44:13) - Strategies for Performance Evaluation Season (50:55) - The Importance of Transparency and Trust…

People Driven Development

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Breaking silos 37:30

hace 43 weeks37:30

37:30

Morgan and Eddie address a listener's concern about navigating silos in a rapidly growing engineering team. They discuss how silos form, their impact on productivity, and various strategies to break them down, such as encouraging a culture of shared responsibility, emphasizing succession planning, and proactive knowledge transfer to mitigate silo formation and promote long-term team health. They also explore the potential benefits and drawbacks of having silos and emphasize the importance of alignment and organizational design in promoting efficient knowledge sharing and team productivity. Topics discussed: Understanding silos in organizations The human element of silos When silos might be beneficial Breaking the addiction to low-hanging fruit The role of leadership in managing silos Practical steps to break silos Knowledge sharing and team dynamics Handling too many nodes in communication…

People Driven Development

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How predictable can software engineering be? 36:58

hace 45 weeks36:58

36:58

In this episode, Morgan and Eddie respond to a listener who is struggling to deliver an AI-based internal product for customer support on time. The discussion covers potential reasons for project delays, with a focus on local and global issues affecting predictability. They provide insights on proper effort estimation, managing expectations, the importance of psychological safety, and key metrics such as cycle time and cycle time variance to understand bottlenecks. They also emphasize the value of collaborative work, adaptable processes, and effective communication to improve project outcomes. (00:00) - Introduction (00:56) - Understanding the Predictability Problem (01:28) - Local Issues Affecting Predictability (10:18) - Global Issues and Organizational Challenges (16:31) - Strategies for Improving Predictability (33:27) - Final Advice for Listener (36:41) - Conclusion…

People Driven Development

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Valuation of Values 36:21

hace 49 weeks36:21

36:21

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan discuss the significance and impact of company values, focusing on how to ensure they are effectively implemented and upheld within an organization. They explore the importance of aligning values with actions, integrating them into decision-making processes, and addressing potential pitfalls like value weaponization. Topics covered: The purpose of company values Bridging the gap between values and actions Integrating values into decision-making Building systems that support values The role of transparency in value implementation Measuring the effectiveness of values Preventing value weaponization…

People Driven Development

1
Creating owners 42:36

hace 52 weeks42:36

42:36

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan explore the topic of creating ownership within teams and organizations. They discuss what it means to be an owner, how to create an environment where people feel empowered to take ownership, and the benefits of having a culture of ownership. Topics covered: What does it mean to be an owner How to create an environment where people feel empowered to take ownership Benefits of having a culture of ownership…

People Driven Development

1
What's an effective manager? 38:24

hace 1 year38:24

38:24

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan discuss the question of what makes an effective manager. They delve into the key competencies and attributes that effective managers possess, and explore how these competencies can be developed and improved over time. Topics covered: The key competencies and attributes of effective managers How to develop and improve managerial competencies The importance of communication, feedback, and introspection in effective management The role of managers in hiring, developing talent, and resolving conflict How to measure and evaluate managerial effectiveness Links: Dare to Lead - Brené Brown Cultural Innovation - Kevin Oaks Team Topologies - Matthew Skelton and Manuel Pais Engineering Management for the Rest of Us - Sarah Drasner The Effective Manager (2nd Edition) - Mark Horstman, Kate Braun, and Sarah Sentes The Coaching Habit - Michael Bungay Stanier The Advice Trap - Michael Bungay Stanier…

People Driven Development

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Who needs managers anyway? 36:44

hace 1 year36:44