The hottest Substack posts of The Engineering Leader

And their main takeaways
79 implied HN points 27 Oct 24
  1. Being a lighthouse means providing guidance and clarity when things are uncertain. Just like a lighthouse helps ships find their way, leaders should offer support to their teams during tough times.
  2. Leaders should empower their teams by encouraging autonomy and trust. This builds confidence and helps team members feel respected and capable in their roles.
  3. Consistency and integrity are key traits of a good leader. Like a lighthouse that shines every night, leaders should align their words and actions to build trust with their teams.
99 implied HN points 20 Oct 24
  1. Technical skills are important for engineers, but to become a leader, you also need to connect with other teams and understand the bigger picture. It's about being a bridge builder, not just a tech expert.
  2. Having strong communication skills helps in explaining your work to others and getting their feedback. This way, everyone can work better together.
  3. To grow into a leadership role, seek opportunities to collaborate with different departments, learn about the company's goals, and create a culture of teamwork.
99 implied HN points 06 Oct 24
  1. Transformational leadership is about inspiring your team by sharing a clear vision. It helps create a motivated and engaged work environment where everyone strives for excellence.
  2. Adapting your leadership style to fit different teams and situations is crucial. Being flexible helps address unique challenges and fosters team success.
  3. Empowerment is key to growth. When you give your team the resources and autonomy to lead, you help them develop their skills and confidence.
159 implied HN points 22 Sep 24
  1. Managers should be honest and transparent with their teams. Hiding difficult information can backfire and leave everyone unprepared.
  2. Overprotecting a team can create dependence and limit their growth. It's important for team members to face challenges to develop their skills.
  3. A balanced approach is best. Managers can help their teams focus by filtering out unnecessary distractions while still being transparent about real issues.
79 implied HN points 08 Sep 24
  1. Founder Mode allows leaders to be more hands-on and in touch with their company. This helps them make quick decisions that align with their original vision.
  2. While Founder Mode can be effective in early stages, it doesn't scale well in larger companies because one person can't manage everything.
  3. Great leaders know when to switch between being hands-on and delegating tasks. This flexibility is key to adapting to a company's growth and changing needs.
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59 implied HN points 15 Sep 24
  1. Top software engineers excel not just in coding but in understanding the bigger picture of their projects. They focus on why they're building something, making sure it meets real needs.
  2. Effective communication and collaboration are key traits of great engineers. They share knowledge with their teams and explain their ideas clearly, making work smoother for everyone.
  3. It's important for engineers to keep learning beyond just coding skills. The best engineers adapt to new challenges, use innovative tools like AI, and think creatively to solve problems.
79 implied HN points 01 Sep 24
  1. Health is super important, and we often forget to take care of ourselves when busy. Neglecting health can lead to serious issues, so it’s vital to prioritize it.
  2. Ignoring your well-being creates 'health debt' that can affect your energy, focus, and overall life quality. Just like financial debt, the more you neglect it, the worse it gets.
  3. Taking care of yourself isn't selfish; it's necessary. When you're healthy, you can help others better and handle life’s challenges more effectively.
218 implied HN points 18 Feb 24
  1. High Agency means taking control of your life and making decisions without waiting for perfect conditions. It helps you be proactive and responsible for your outcomes.
  2. People with High Agency are resourceful and resilient, able to turn challenges into opportunities. They thrive on taking calculated risks and learning from their experiences.
  3. You can develop High Agency by taking initiative, accepting responsibility, and being adaptable. It's all about having the mindset to overcome obstacles and create your own path.
278 implied HN points 01 Jan 24
  1. The author reflects on 20 years of experience in software engineering and management.
  2. Despite challenges, pursuing a computer science degree opened doors to career opportunities.
  3. Planning to share knowledge and experiences through writing to help others in engineering and leadership roles.
159 implied HN points 25 Feb 24
  1. Managers do a lot of work behind the scenes that often goes unnoticed. This includes tasks like coaching, resolving conflicts, and setting goals that are crucial for team success.
  2. Being a manager means putting the team's needs first and supporting them to succeed. It can be tough because their work might not get immediate recognition.
  3. It's important to be patient with your manager and understand they have many responsibilities. Asking how you can help them can strengthen your working relationship.
139 implied HN points 04 Feb 24
  1. Being assertive is important in communication and can help you influence others in a positive way.
  2. Understanding ask culture vs. guess culture can improve interpersonal communication and prevent misunderstandings.
  3. Strategies like 'Yes, And' approach, using writing strategies, and Socratic questioning can help you say no professionally and respectfully.
99 implied HN points 08 Jan 24
  1. Autonomy, mastery, and purpose are key motivators for high performance and satisfaction in teams.
  2. Autonomy in the workplace means allowing individuals or teams to take ownership of their work outcomes without micromanaging.
  3. Balancing autonomy with support is crucial for fostering individual growth and team success.
79 implied HN points 14 Jan 24
  1. Being technical as a manager means understanding technical aspects while excelling in managing teams and projects.
  2. For Tech Lead Managers, coding can help with understanding challenges, communicating effectively, gaining respect, and handling crises.
  3. For Engineering Managers, focusing on leadership, avoiding micromanagement, managing time effectively, and strategic thinking are more important than hands-on coding.
59 implied HN points 28 Jan 24
  1. Hiring for strengths is more important than hiring to fill weaknesses.
  2. Identifying and focusing on individual strengths leads to successful team building.
  3. Great managers invest in their team's strengths and manage weaknesses appropriately.
4 HN points 21 Jan 24
  1. Getting promoted is more of an art than a science; it requires more than just hard work and technical skills.
  2. Focus on delivering business value in your work to increase your chances of promotion.
  3. Making your work visible and showcasing your accomplishments are essential for receiving recognition and advancing in your career.