The hottest Substack posts of peoplefirstengineering

And their main takeaways
7 implied HN points 20 Feb 25
  1. AI is changing how we work, making some jobs easier and others riskier. Engineers will need to adapt to new tools that can boost their productivity and may even replace simpler tasks.
  2. For society to thrive with AI, we need to focus on developing skills that enhance human creativity and judgment. It’s important to promote environments that help people learn and grow alongside technology.
  3. As AI takes on more responsibilities, companies will benefit from creating workplaces that support both human and machine collaboration. Fostering autonomy, mastery, and purpose will lead to better outcomes for everyone.
14 implied HN points 06 Feb 25
  1. Workplace culture is complex and hard to define, but it affects how we feel and perform at work. Everyone experiences it differently based on their individual stories.
  2. Culture is built through the interactions of team members and can change over time. It’s not something that can be easily controlled or fixed with a simple solution.
  3. Everyone at work plays a role in shaping the culture. By being aware of our behaviors and choices, we can create a positive environment together.
17 implied HN points 29 Jan 25
  1. Life is full of uncertainties, and it's important to accept that things will not always be stable. Embracing this uncertainty can lead to less anxiety.
  2. Our focus on the past and future often distracts us from enjoying the present moment. Learning to be aware of now can help reduce feelings of insecurity.
  3. Connecting with others and fostering community can help combat feelings of isolation and anxiety. Building strong relationships provides valuable support during tough times.
50 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. Complex systems, like software teams, are made up of many parts that interact with each other and change over time. Understanding these interactions can help improve how we manage and work within these systems.
  2. Donella Meadows' framework shows that not all changes in a system will have the same impact. Some changes, like adjusting goals or encouraging new mindsets, can lead to much bigger improvements than simply tweaking numbers or rules.
  3. To create a successful and adaptable environment, it's important to give teams the freedom to self-organize, share information openly, and align their goals with the overall mission of the organization.
12 implied HN points 15 Jan 25
  1. Engineering culture is really important. It can help teams work better together and overcome tough times in the industry.
  2. Improving team dynamics and culture is hard work, but it pays off. When people feel motivated and safe, they can contribute more effectively.
  3. Since there's no one-size-fits-all approach, leaders need to pay attention to what works for their specific teams and focus on building supportive environments.
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7 implied HN points 08 Jan 25
  1. When employees feel supported by their company, they're more motivated to do great work. But if the company doesn't keep its promises, employees might just do the bare minimum.
  2. This situation can lead to what's called the 'Employee's Dilemma,' where both the worker and the employer end up not trusting each other, creating a sad work environment.
  3. To break this cycle of unhappiness, companies need to build trust and show they care. If they do, it can improve the workplace for everyone.
17 implied HN points 27 Nov 24
  1. Engineering teams have high cognitive load, just like ADHD brains. Both need to manage a lot of information at once, which can be overwhelming.
  2. Interruptions can hurt focus for both ADHD individuals and engineering teams. Managing distractions is crucial for getting work done effectively.
  3. Breaking down tasks helps both ADHD individuals and engineers. Smaller tasks make big projects feel less overwhelming and more manageable.
14 implied HN points 13 Nov 24
  1. Emotional engagement is key to learning. We remember things better when we care about them and connect emotionally to the experiences.
  2. Learning is more effective in collaborative settings. Working together with others, like in pair programming or group discussions, helps make the learning process more meaningful.
  3. To truly learn, we should explore what matters to us. Finding our personal connections to topics can lead to deeper understanding and growth.
8 implied HN points 05 Dec 24
  1. It's important for managers to stay connected to coding, as it helps them empathize with their team. Being hands-on can improve understanding of the challenges engineers face.
  2. Empathy in leadership goes beyond just understanding tasks; it involves recognizing individual emotions and how they affect performance. Good managers should tailor their support based on team members' unique situations.
  3. Challenges in coding create a shared experience among team members. Managers who code can better relate to the ups and downs, building trust and a stronger team dynamic.
8 implied HN points 20 Nov 24
  1. The blade symbolizes a competitive approach, focusing on being right and confronting others, while the chalice represents a more nurturing mindset, promoting cooperation and openness to new ideas.
  2. When learning or in conversations, using the chalice helps foster better relationships and deeper understanding, encouraging curiosity instead of defensiveness.
  3. It's important to choose the right approach for the situation; sometimes decisiveness is needed (the blade), but other times, open exploration is key (the chalice) for effective teamwork and learning.
7 implied HN points 07 Nov 24
  1. You can create your own luck by increasing your Luck Surface Area. This means doing things you're passionate about and sharing them with others.
  2. Being authentic in your interests helps you connect better with people. People are drawn to those who genuinely care about what they do.
  3. Effective communication is key. It’s important to not just tell people about your work but to do it in a way that they understand and want to share it with others.
1 implied HN point 01 Feb 24
  1. The newsletter is taking a new human-centric direction in software engineering.
  2. Collaboration with others can lead to greater achievements than working alone.
  3. Friday Forum events will focus on human aspects of engineering, starting with a discussion on feedback culture.
0 implied HN points 16 Feb 24
  1. Letting go of control in leadership is important for allowing teams to thrive and be self-organized.
  2. Over-controlling managers can hinder team progress by reducing agency and creating unnecessary bottlenecks.
  3. Trusting individuals and teams, and providing clear direction, fosters a positive team dynamic where people rise to expectations.