The hottest Leadership Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top World Politics Topics

A Note to Founders as We Head into 2023: Become the Leader Your Team Needs

Equal Ventures • 19 implied HN points • 06 Jan 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Great companies require great leaders, who are developed through feedback and support from those around them.
  2. In 2023, founders need to focus on fundamentals like unit economics, maintain a steady hand amid market turbulence, and have patience for the long-term success of their companies.
  3. Founders should be decisive on talent, transparent about challenges, and ensure their own needs are met to be effective leaders for their teams.

The Snow Melts At The Periphery

Dev Interrupted • 56 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Initial signs of trouble in an organization often show at the edges, not the center.
  2. Senior leaders should actively stay connected to the outside world to avoid becoming isolated.
  3. Building connections with allies at the periphery can help senior leaders retain the agility and insights of smaller organizations.
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Scaling engineering teams: Building career ladders

Brick by Brick • 18 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Creating a clear career ladder is crucial for growing engineering teams. It helps everyone understand how to advance and what is expected from them.
  2. Collaboration is key when building this ladder. Getting input from the team can help define roles and ensure everyone feels involved and valued.
  3. Regularly reviewing and updating the career ladder keeps it fair and relevant. It’s important to adjust it as the team and company grow to continue supporting everyone’s development.

How to Run a Data-Driven Engineering Org Without Being a Performance Tyrant

Dev Interrupted • 88 implied HN points • 22 Jun 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Stack ranking is natural human behavior, but it may not be suitable for engineering teams.
  2. Data-driven does not mean stack ranking; software development teams are more like bands where everyone depends on each other.
  3. Avoid data-driven leadership anti-patterns by knowing your 'why', measuring more than individual stats, and not relying on easily available metrics.

Hanging up the jetpack. Planting a flag.

The Jungle Gym • 83 implied HN points • 19 Jul 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. The decision to fully commit to Exec was driven by an energizing problem, a receptive market, and a stellar team.
  2. Exec aims to help companies design customized talent development programs, work with a network of vetted coaches, and provide flexible payment options.
  3. Having the right team and shared values is crucial for the success of startups like Exec.

Let Them Eat Mars Rocks!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Musk is gaining too much power without proper checks or balances, which can be dangerous for society. His actions are compared to a hostile takeover of the US government, reflecting a neglect of important social needs.
  2. The government is undergoing significant changes that seem focused on consolidating Musk's control rather than genuinely improving people's lives or democracy.
  3. There is a deeper problem in the political system as many refuse to acknowledge America's declining influence and challenges, leading to desperation and populist movements that could worsen the issues at hand.

LL #44 | Making Mountains out of Molehills

The Leadership Lab • 19 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
🚌 Education Leadership
  1. As a leader, embracing your intuition can greatly enhance performance by uncovering hidden opportunities for improvement.
  2. Instead of suppressing your inner nitpicker, consider how it can actually liberate your team and lead to significant progress.
  3. Shift your focus from criticism to creativity by asking yourself about the 10x opportunity in a situation, bringing that energy to your team and projects.

Xi Jinping promises a new wave of "reform" since 2013

Pekingnology • 52 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. China is planning for further comprehensive reforms, aligning with previous reform initiatives.
  2. Xi Jinping aims to address development challenges through reform and opening up, emphasizing the need for focused, high-quality measures.
  3. The process of implementing the new reform package will involve extensive engagement with various stakeholders to gather input and experiences.

Practical Advice for a Better You

Anima Mundi • 20 implied HN points • 28 Dec 24
🚌 Education Leadership
  1. When making a decision, find one strong reason for it. If you can’t identify a solid reason, reconsider your choice.
  2. Focusing on one task at a time leads to better results than multitasking. It reduces stress and improves the quality of your work.
  3. Look for people who show potential and the ability to learn quickly rather than just those with experience. They can surprise you with their growth.

Kamala Harris, the Do or Die Candidate

Political Currents by Ross Barkan • 27 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Kamala Harris faces a tough situation: if she loses the election, her future in politics could be bleak. Unlike other candidates, she has no clear path to a different role.
  2. Harris hasn't proven herself in competitive races. She didn't win any primary contests, which shows she might struggle more than other candidates who have experience in such challenges.
  3. If she wins, governing will be hard for her. A Republican Senate could block her plans, and there's little known about how she would run the country or handle major issues.

A Way Forward For America ...

Diane Francis • 139 implied HN points • 21 Jan 21
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. America could benefit from a system like a parliamentary government. This would encourage leaders to work together and pass laws more effectively.
  2. The two-party system limits political options and makes it hard for new ideas to emerge. Other countries with more parties often create laws that serve the public better.
  3. A strong, coalition-building leader could help address America's issues, such as improving the economy and healthcare, while also restoring trust in politics.

30-60-90 For TPMs

Building Rome(s) • 19 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. When starting in a big tech company, your first month should focus on understanding the company's structure and people. It's important to learn the processes and key players to effectively navigate your new role.
  2. At startups, you need to adapt quickly, often ramping up in just a few weeks. Jump in and start contributing right away, as limited resources mean you’ll likely wear many hats.
  3. Building relationships is key in any new role. Prioritize meeting with colleagues and stakeholders to enhance collaboration and gather insights that will help you succeed.

The Browning of the Right

Unpopular Front • 89 implied HN points • 19 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. Radicalization among the junior staff of the conservative movement is widespread.
  2. Both the lower ranks and leadership of the Right show signs of embracing extremist ideologies.
  3. Fascist subjectivity involves indulging sadistic feelings and the performance of hesitation or doubt.

The Power of Recognition in Engineering Leaders: A Deep Dive into the Philosophy and Practice

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 19 implied HN points • 10 Jul 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Recognition is more than just giving rewards; it's about appreciating each person's contributions. A simple thank you can boost team morale and motivation.
  2. Philosophers like Hegel and Honneth highlight that recognition helps people feel valued and fosters teamwork. When team members feel respected, they work better together.
  3. Leaders should be careful to recognize everyone fairly and genuinely. It's important not to overlook quieter team members and to give meaningful recognition without overwhelming the team.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 33 - corporations are not for me

The ZIPster • 17 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Starting a business can be tough, especially after facing failure. It's essential to learn and keep going, even when times are hard.
  2. CitNOW grew from a small team to a successful company that was recognized in the market. Hard work and determination can pay off.
  3. Working in a corporate environment can feel limited, and many find more fulfillment in creating and running their own businesses. It's about finding your own way.

How to Coach People Effectively

Kartick’s Blog • 17 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Set clear expectations for coaching by charging a fee and giving homework. This helps find serious candidates and saves time.
  2. Listen actively to the person being coached and tailor your advice to their understanding. Use questions that guide them to their own conclusions.
  3. Keep conversations focused on one topic at a time and use visual aids to clarify points. This makes discussions more effective and organized.

Mastering the Inner Game of Leadership

The Leadership Lab • 19 implied HN points • 30 Nov 22
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Effective leadership involves playing both the outer game (interacting with the team) and the inner game (becoming the leader you aspire to be). Focus on the inner game to unlock your true leadership potential.
  2. Mastering the Inner Game of Leadership offers a three-week intensive group coaching program to help individuals unlock their leadership potential by overcoming limiting beliefs and leveraging strengths.
  3. Attend the annual Leadership Review sessions to reflect on your leadership journey, gain clarity on growth goals for the upcoming year, and optimize your leadership effectiveness.

Staying Human in the Age of Data.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 20 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Data is important, but focusing too much on it can harm the long-term success of both businesses and people. It's crucial to balance numbers with human emotions and culture.
  2. Leaders should encourage open discussions about tough topics and avoid wasting time in unnecessary meetings. This helps create a culture where everyone feels comfortable sharing their thoughts.
  3. Successful companies need to remember that their employees are not just numbers. Investing in their development and well-being leads to a more motivated and productive workforce.

Books Worth Mentioning

DruGroup • 79 implied HN points • 03 Jan 22
📚 Literature Leadership
  1. Reading expands your knowledge and can take you to new places, even if you're not traveling.
  2. A good book list can include gems from different categories like theology, fiction, leadership, and discipleship.
  3. Books can have a big impact on your thoughts and beliefs, making it worthwhile to explore different authors and subjects.

Regressions

Venture Prose • 179 implied HN points • 03 Jan 20
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Regressions happen when services fall below our standards or expectations. It's important to address and prevent them.
  2. As organizations grow, handling regressions becomes more challenging. It's crucial to manage engineering complexities and customer expectations.
  3. Preventing regressions requires setting high standards, holding people accountable, and remaining true to values. Prevention is key to maintaining a trustworthy product and service.

Ode to Tuckman

Wednesday Wisdom • 47 implied HN points • 07 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. High performing teams are not just a group of senior rockstars; diversity in levels, skills, and personalities leads to better outcomes.
  2. High performing teams need to go through Tuckman's stages of Forming, Storming, Norming, and Performing to establish trust, norms, and identity before delivering quality work.
  3. Leadership is about adapting to team needs - understanding team diversity and dynamics is key for team success.

Attention To Details

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Paying attention to small details is really important for success in any area. It's like sharpening a tool—you get better results when you focus on the little things.
  2. Using checklists and working with others can help catch mistakes you might miss. Teamwork and good habits make a big difference.
  3. Balancing big ideas with detailed execution is key. Great leaders not only dream big but also make sure the small steps are done right.

DOES IT TAKE A WAR?

Seymour Hersh • 95 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Leadership
  1. There is a gap between what a president tells us about a war and the reality on the ground.
  2. President John F. Kennedy struggled to understand the war in South Vietnam six decades ago.
  3. Even amidst struggles, President Kennedy and his wife Jackie were admired for their glamorous life in the White House.

The uncertainty mindset

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 219 implied HN points • 14 Oct 19
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Risk and uncertainty are not the same. We often confuse the two, but dealing with true uncertainty needs a different approach than just managing risks.
  2. Businesses need to adapt to unexpected changes. Having a flexible mindset can help companies navigate uncertain situations more effectively.
  3. Understanding uncertainty can improve personal and professional growth. Embracing uncertainty helps with better decision-making and can lead to new discoveries.

3 steps for a FAST promotion to management

Leading Developers • 43 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Be the go-to person for your manager by taking ownership of important tasks and being proactive in asking for responsibilities.
  2. Become visible outside your team by working on critical projects for the organization, actively participating in Slack channels, and producing helpful content.
  3. When seeking a promotion, be respectful but firm in asking for what you want, setting concrete goals, and taking proactive steps to achieve them.

Eyeless in Gaza

Gideon's Substack • 62 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🌍 World Politics Leadership
  1. Israel's military and intelligence services failed to anticipate and respond effectively to Hamas's invasion from Gaza.
  2. Hamas's motive for the attacks was to show Israel as weak, leading to potential escalation of conflict.
  3. Criticism is directed towards Netanyahu's leadership for internal political divisions, contributing to the current crisis.

Buffett's Blueprint

Neckar’s Notes • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Warren Buffett combined reading with building strong relationships to grow his wealth. Both his knowledge and connections helped him succeed.
  2. Buffett pursued wealth in a way that was meaningful and enjoyable to him, focusing on personal growth and independence.
  3. The next Buffett will be proactive in seeking knowledge and crafting their own path, rather than just copying what others did.

6 Trends That Will Shape Our Careers in 2024

The Jungle Gym • 53 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Doing more with less through AI tools can lead to increased productivity and changes in team dynamics
  2. Leaders getting more involved in details may lead to flatter organizational structures and better career paths for individual contributors
  3. Shift towards software providing outcomes rather than licenses can impact organizational collaboration and leadership roles

Your husband/wife is the co-founder of your life

Tech Ramblings • 19 implied HN points • 11 Jun 23
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Your partner plays a crucial role in your life journey, just like a co-founder in a business. They support you and help you make tough decisions.
  2. Having a good partner can make a big difference during challenging times. They can lift your spirits and give you the space to focus on your goals.
  3. Choosing the right person to be by your side is essential. The right partner can encourage you, while the wrong one can hold you back.

In Between Two Forces

Building Rome(s) • 15 implied HN points • 20 Jan 25
💼 Business Leadership
  1. Technical Program Managers (TPMs) help connect the vision of leaders with the execution of managers. They play a key role in ensuring that strategies are implemented effectively.
  2. Collaboration with Product Managers is crucial for TPMs. Working together helps them handle complex projects and achieve great results.
  3. TPMs need to be clear and adaptable. They must turn challenges into opportunities and keep teams focused on success, no matter the situation.

Should managers still code?

The Engineering Manager • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Leadership
  1. Managers should definitely be involved in the code, meaning they need to understand how their team's code works and participate in reviews. This helps them stay connected to the team's work.
  2. It's not always necessary for managers to write code themselves. They can focus on strategic tasks that only they can do while still being engaged with the technical side.
  3. When managers do want to write code, it should be in a structured way, like setting aside specific time for it or pairing with team members. This keeps the balance between management duties and coding.