The hottest Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Beyond Prediction: Shaping Your Work Story in an Uncertain World

Workforce Futurist by Andy Spence • 293 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

There are seven main stories shaping how we think about the future of work. Each one explores different trends and possibilities, like technology, job loss, and education.
We can't predict exactly what will happen, but we can choose which narrative we want to believe in. Our choices can shape our future work experiences.
Lifelong learning and adaptation are becoming essential. As technology changes, we need to keep learning to stay relevant in our jobs.

Will Elondia Be Like Fordlandia?

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24

🔬 Science Space Exploration Colonization Health Risks Technology Management

Getting to Mars is much harder than reaching Fordlandia in the Amazon. Mars has extreme health risks like radiation that Fordlandia didn't face.
Both places have serious health and management issues. Living conditions and isolation could lead to major problems for people on Mars, just like they did in Fordlandia.
Fordlandia failed to become profitable and faced worker rebellion. Similar issues could arise in Elondia, where people's morale and management will be crucial for survival.

The Oversized Conglomerate

In My Tribe • 653 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Public Policy Political theory Management Regulation

A government that does a few things well is better than one that tries to do many things poorly. When the government gets involved in too many areas, it often struggles to manage them effectively.
The federal government acts like a big, clumsy business conglomerate. It has overlapping agencies and goals that conflict, making it hard to oversee and improve its work.
When considering government interventions, we should expect them to be less effective than planned. This means we should rethink how much we ask the government to do and focus on making sure it does a few things really well.

The Bear Cave #246

The Bear Cave • 559 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24

💼 Business Finance Management Investing Corporate Governance Market Analysis

Blue Orca Capital reported that Baldwin Insurance Group has been using some tricky financial practices to make their profits look better than they actually are. They claim the company has serious profitability issues.
Recent leadership changes show a lot of turnover among company executives, with several CFOs and CEOs resigning or being let go. This could indicate bigger problems within those companies.
There are also activist reports about Byrna Technologies, suggesting they might be exaggerating their business success. The reports claim many of their dealers don’t really exist or aren't effective.

Sorry, Elon: Henry Ford Started a Colony First

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24

💾 History Colonialism Economics Agriculture Management Environment

Henry Ford tried to create a city called Fordlandia in the Amazon rainforest to produce rubber. He faced many challenges because the environment was very different from what he knew.
The project suffered from poor living conditions, high worker turnover, and management problems, leading to riots and disease among workers. It was hard to get people to stay and work.
Ultimately, the project failed to produce rubber as intended and Ford lost a lot of money. It shows how difficult it is to impose a new way of life in an unfamiliar place.

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Are hotdesks always hellish?

Make Work Better • 81 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24

💼 Business Workplace Culture Management Productivity Human Resources

Most companies use their office space less than three days a week and are planning to reduce their office size in the near future. This change is a response to new work habits formed during the pandemic.
Employees can be happy with hotdesks, but it's crucial to have a variety of workspaces available. A diverse range of settings helps them feel productive and satisfied.
Some workers struggle more than others in hotdesk environments, indicating that not everyone adapts the same way. Companies should consider individual needs, like having good booking systems for personal spaces.

Links to Consider, 11/4/2024

In My Tribe • 227 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Economics Labor Market Management Industrial Policy

The job market is changing due to AI taking over routine office tasks. However, more complex management roles might still require human skills.
Some believe that good foreign policy relies more on talking than on action. Words can sometimes seem like solutions even when they aren't.
Recent manufacturing job growth is happening in places less affected by international trade issues. Many manufacturing jobs are still not unionized, which means fewer protections for workers.

TBM 321: "Reducing Complexity"

The Beautiful Mess • 1480 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Productivity Work Culture Organizational Behavior

Product work is naturally complex because it involves many changing factors and teamwork among different groups. This complexity isn't bad; it's just part of making meaningful products.
A company operates as a complex system influenced by habits, processes, and people. This can lead to mismanagement and stress when priorities clash and workloads become heavy.
Leaders should not try to simplify the work itself but instead create an environment where teams can handle their complexity efficiently. Reducing friction and improving communication can help people do better work together.

How An Informed Minority Took Over The World’s Biggest Firms

High ROI Data Science • 119 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

💼 Business Strategy Management Economics Consulting Information Systems

Information asymmetry is when one group knows more than another. This can create unfair advantages in social systems and businesses.
The Werewolf Game illustrates how a small, informed group can control the majority. This game teaches us about strategy and deception in group dynamics.
To protect ourselves from manipulation, we need to build mental firewalls. Knowing about information asymmetry helps us fight back against unfair advantages.

TBM 323: Quick Tool Tips

The Beautiful Mess • 515 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24

💼 Business Management Strategy Tools Processes Teamwork

Make tools fit your needs by trying them out and getting feedback. This way, you can avoid forcing your team into a system that doesn't help anyone.
Involve all kinds of team members in decisions about tools. If you only ask certain roles, you might miss out on important ideas and needs from others.
Start simple before automating. Test simple methods first to see what works, then build on those ideas rather than jumping straight into complicated solutions.

9 Things Product Owners Should Stop Doing

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Development Leadership

Product Owners shouldn’t act like team managers. They should focus on the product goals and let Developers decide how to achieve them.
It's important for Product Owners to be part of the team. They should engage with the Developers regularly and not just during official meetings.
Product Owners need to avoid over-managing the details of tasks. They should trust Developers to find the best ways to reach the goals set for the product.

Moving Mental Mountains

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1369 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

💼 Business Finance Technology Economics Management Workforce

Now it's easier and cheaper to explore data and insights, so we should be more curious and take the time to investigate our 'I wonder' moments.
Emotional reactions often replace actual work, and we need to focus on doing the analytical tasks instead of just responding emotionally.
When analyzing data, start small and make sure your findings are accurate. Sharing what you learn can help you grow and encourage collective knowledge.

The slow death of the hands-on engineering manager

Leading Developers • 100 implied HN points • 12 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Software Engineering Management Artificial Intelligence Coding Productivity

Many engineering managers want to code more, but their roles shift them away from hands-on work. Finding even a few hours a week to code can help stay engaged with the team.
Choosing small, impactful tasks can keep managers involved in coding. Projects that help the team or solve annoying issues can be both beneficial and satisfying.
Creating internal tools, like a chatbot for documentation, can improve efficiency and learning. Such projects can bring value to the team while allowing managers to practice their skills.

If You Can’t Be a Bridge, Be a Lighthouse

The Engineering Leader • 79 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Communication Team Building Organizational Change

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.
Leaders should empower their teams by encouraging autonomy and trust. This builds confidence and helps team members feel respected and capable in their roles.
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.

Part 2: Our Collective Order-Keeping Fictions

Holly’s Newsletter • 1071 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24

💼 Business Work Culture Management Corporate strategy Data Privacy Technology Trends

Many companies hire foreign workers, and there is a concerning lack of effective management. This is often due to too many people being in roles that don’t have real value.
It’s scary how much bad coding exists, especially from those who think they’re experts but actually know very little. This can lead to bigger problems in tech environments.
Data security is often not as strong as companies claim, and relying on tools like AI without proper coding knowledge can make things worse for everyone.

Output vs. Outcomes - Problem #4

Fish Food for Thought • 12 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

💼 Business Management Strategy Product Development Performance Metrics Corporate culture

It's important to focus on outcomes, not just outputs. Companies should ask themselves if their efforts really make a difference for customers.
Measuring success by outputs can lead to short-term wins but might miss real problems. Companies should aim for quality and value instead of just quantity.
Shifting to an outcome-driven approach means redefining success metrics. Businesses should prioritize customer satisfaction and engagement over just the number of tasks completed.

Being in the details

The Engineering Manager • 5 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Organizational Behavior Efficiency Team Dynamics

Being involved in the details of your organization is crucial. It helps you make better decisions and keeps you accountable for your team's work.
Good management means delegating responsibility but also staying accountable. You need to know what your team is doing and the progress of important projects.
It's possible to be detail-oriented without micromanaging. Techniques like direct reports, regular deep dives, and collaborative work can help you stay engaged.

The Nationalization of Boeing Begins

BIG by Matt Stoller • 43431 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24

💼 Business Management Labor relations Government intervention Corporate culture Financial impact

There is growing discontent and criticism towards Boeing's management from various stakeholders like Wall Street, labor unions, customers, and regulators.
Major Boeing customers like Alaska Airlines and United Airlines are publicly holding Boeing accountable for quality issues and demanding reimbursement, indicating a significant shift in the industry's code of silence about problems.
The government, particularly the FAA, has taken actions against Boeing and is showing signs of increasing regulation, potentially leading towards a moment where Boeing's management structure may face significant changes.

The Capitalist and the Engineer

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Corporate culture Human Resources Management Economics

The conversation shows a clash of values between a business-minded person and an engineer. They discuss their different approaches to life and careers, highlighting how they see work and success.
They touch on the impact of privilege and family background on opportunities. Jan feels frustrated by Stan's wealthy upbringing and its effect on their perspectives.
At the end, there's potential for growth as Stan reaches out to Jan years later, suggesting that people can evolve and learn from their past interactions.

The Corporate Life Cycle: Managing, Valuation and Investing Implications

Musings on Markets • 1438 implied HN points • 20 Aug 24

💼 Business Corporate Finance Valuation Investment Strategies Management Economic Trends

Businesses, like people, go through life cycles. They start as new ideas, grow, and eventually decline if not managed properly.
Companies age differently, impacting their strategies and financial health. Younger companies often focus on growth, while older ones need to defend their position or manage decline.
The skills and qualities needed in leadership change with a company's age. A startup needs a visionary leader, while a declining company may require a pragmatic approach to manage its downsizing.

10 Things People Don't Realize About Scrum

Ageling on Agile • 119 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24

💼 Business Agile Management Leadership Training

Scrum isn't just about short-term goals; it focuses on the long-term vision for the product. The Product Owner plays a key role in setting a clear Product Goal and regularly reviews progress.
The purpose of a Sprint is to learn and adapt, not just to deliver a set amount of work. Each Sprint acts as a learning cycle where teams reflect and plan the next steps based on what they've achieved and learned.
The Scrum Master is more than just a facilitator; they are also responsible for helping the whole organization adopt Scrum effectively. They guide both the team and other stakeholders to understand their roles in the process.

Founder Mode: Elevating Individual Contributors

Rethinking Software • 249 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Entrepreneurship Organizational Behavior

Founder mode empowers individual contributors by reducing management interference. It allows them to work freely, focusing on their tasks without being micromanaged.
Good founders support and trust their teams instead of controlling them. They believe in hiring smart people and letting them decide how to do their jobs.
Too many managers can create a bloated, inefficient system. Founder mode prevents this by maintaining a lean structure where everyone can contribute effectively.

TBM 316: Ultra Founder Mode

The Beautiful Mess • 925 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Entrepreneurship Accountability Self-Improvement

Ultra Founder Mode is all about taking raw honesty and owning up to your weaknesses. It's crucial to be really self-aware and willing to face hard truths about yourself and your work.
In this mindset, you take full responsibility for everything—successes and failures. There’s no blaming others; you say 'I' messed up, and you own that weight fully.
Being a leader means being deeply involved in your team's day-to-day struggles. You need to feel their pressures and grind alongside them, absorbing all the chaos without immediately trying to fix everything.

Ferrari's Unique Business Model Leads To Record Financial Performance

Huddle Up • 43 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24

💼 Business Finance Marketing Strategy Operations Management

Ferrari has a special business model that helps it perform really well financially. This unique approach sets it apart from other car brands.
The company focuses on making limited-edition cars, which keeps them exclusive and desirable. This strategy boosts their appeal and profits.
Ferrari's success is also linked to its strong brand image and connection to racing. People love the thrill of Formula 1, which enhances the brand's prestige.

Engineering teams are like ADHD brains

peoplefirstengineering • 10 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Software Management Team Dynamics Productivity

Engineering teams have high cognitive load, just like ADHD brains. Both need to manage a lot of information at once, which can be overwhelming.
Interruptions can hurt focus for both ADHD individuals and engineering teams. Managing distractions is crucial for getting work done effectively.
Breaking down tasks helps both ADHD individuals and engineers. Smaller tasks make big projects feel less overwhelming and more manageable.

TBM 318: Why Orgs Become Too Tall

The Beautiful Mess • 449 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Organizational Behavior Leadership Corporate Structure Business strategy

Organizations can become too tall when they grow too big, leading to excessive layers of management. This often happens when companies cannot adjust their team sizes effectively as they deal with market challenges.
Narrow spans of control make it hard for managers to handle large teams, resulting in more layers. This could be due to inexperienced managers needing more guidance or a culture that prefers smaller teams.
A lack of trust and delegation can make organizations taller. When managers feel they need to oversee everything, it creates more layers instead of empowering teams to work independently.

5 Ways Agile Coaches Undermine Agility

Ageling on Agile • 159 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Agile Methodology Coaching Organizational Culture Team Dynamics

Agile is not a goal; it's a tool to achieve bigger goals like better teamwork and faster delivery. Coaches should focus on the benefits of Agile instead of just promoting the process itself.
Some Agile Coaches act like salespeople, pushing their one-size-fits-all solution instead of customizing their approach to meet each organization's unique needs. Good coaches listen to what the company really needs first.
Many Agile Coaches focus only on the teams without considering the rest of the organization. Everyone needs to understand how Agile impacts their work to truly benefit from it.

7 Estimation blunders

Ageling on Agile • 39 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Agile Software Teamwork Estimation

Estimating work is hard, especially for complex tasks. It's okay to acknowledge that some work can't be easily estimated and to focus on learning instead.
Teams often have different opinions on estimates, which can lead to valuable discussions. These conversations help everyone align on the work and understand each other's perspectives.
Estimates shouldn't be treated as strict commitments. If people outside the team are pushing for deadlines based on estimates, it's important to push back and clarify that estimates are just rough calculations.

Why I Don't Read Reddit

The Honest Broker • 14196 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24

💼 Business Technology Finance Management Companies Economics

Reddit relies heavily on unpaid labor with 60,000 daily active moderators compared to around 2,000 employees.
After 18 years, Reddit still isn't profitable, accumulating a $717 million deficit, but it shows potential for profitability with increasing revenues and reduced losses.
Reddit's CEO earned $193 million last year, prompting questions about excessive compensation, and Reddit is heavily reliant on advertising for revenue, putting it in a risky position concerning Google competition.

The tough reality of being a "glue person"...

The Beautiful Mess • 595 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Workplace Career development Self-care

Being a glue person means your achievements are often overlooked, but your mistakes are very visible to others.
You have to balance many expectations, which can be stressful and sometimes put you in difficult positions.
It’s important to recognize your own successes, set boundaries, and take care of yourself to avoid burnout.

Engineering management in the next unicorn app

Leading Developers • 65 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

💼 Business Startup Management Leadership Remote work Product Development

A great remote team relies on hiring independent and motivated people. This way, there's less need for management and everyone takes ownership of their work.
Launching a product takes time and patience. It's important to experiment and iterate rather than rushing to get features out.
Growing a startup doesn't mean you have to hire a lot of new people right away. Instead, focus on what the market needs before expanding your team.

How Yasir Al-Rumayyan Became The Most Powerful Person In Sports

Huddle Up • 17 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24

🎾 Sports Management Finance Culture Politics Economics

Yasir Al-Rumayyan has become a key figure in sports, connecting with major players like FIFA's president and Tiger Woods. His influence helps him shape decisions in various sports leagues.
Saudi Arabia is using its wealth to expand into sports, with its state-controlled oil company making huge profits. This financial power supports the country's long-term growth strategy.
Al-Rumayyan's rise shows how money and relationships can create significant influence in global sports, impacting leagues like UFC, Formula 1, and soccer.

Introducing the Good Manager Leaderboard

The Lunacian • 230 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

🔮 Crypto Blockchain Gaming Rewards Management Delegation

The Good Manager Leaderboard is a new way for managers to earn rewards by tracking how well their delegated axies perform in games. Managers can now see their rankings and compete for prizes based on Axie Experience Points (AXP).
Managers in Axie Classic can start checking their stats right away, while those in Origins and Homeland will get access soon. This adds a competitive edge and helps managers see how they're doing each month.
There's a total of 1,500 AXS available as monthly rewards based on AXP earned, encouraging managers to increase their scholars' gameplay and participation. It's a great opportunity for managers to earn more while leading their teams.

Methods and Outcomes

The Breaking Point • 159 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24

💼 Business Strategy Planning Management Sales Decision-making

When making decisions, it's important to separate methods from outcomes. If you mix them up, it can lead to confusion and endless debates.
You can plan in two ways: starting with methods to estimate outcomes or starting with outcomes to figure out the methods needed. Both ways can work depending on the situation.
To empower your team, give them clear outcomes and let them choose their own methods. This way, they feel involved and motivated to succeed.

The Parable of the Startup

Rethinking Software • 149 implied HN points • 18 Oct 24

💼 Business Startups Entrepreneurship Equity Management Workplace culture

The founder promised each employee a share of ownership to create a feeling of equality. This made everyone feel included and valued in the startup.
Everyone received the same amount of shares regardless of how long they had been there. This caused some confusion and frustration among long-term employees who expected more.
In the end, the founder showed that he also valued his contribution by only taking one share like everyone else. This helped unite the team under a common goal and ownership spirit.

So You Want To Become an Engineering Manager

Diary of an Engineering Manager • 539 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24

💼 Business Management Careers Skills Leadership Teamwork

Make your career goals clear by sharing your intent with your manager. Talking about your desire to become an engineering manager will help you get guidance and support.
Focus on developing crucial skills like self-awareness, people skills, and project management. These skills are essential for leading a team effectively.
Look for growth opportunities within your current company or elsewhere. Being prepared is important, but finding the right chance to step into an EM role is key.

DO TOO MUCH

Rational in the Fullness of Time • 246 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24

💼 Business Leadership Entrepreneurship Management Innovation Growth

Leaders need to go above and beyond in their efforts. Doing more can inspire others to care and work harder too.
When achieving goals, over-communication and quick reactions can be more effective than waiting and planning too much.
To create something meaningful, embrace the idea of doing too much. It's a part of pushing boundaries and achieving great things.

Junk Bond Trader

Where's Your Ed At • 13056 implied HN points • 26 Oct 23

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Finance Marketing Management Investing

Elon Musk is perceived as a modern-day hustler, skilled at manipulating media and markets without creating tangible value.
Musk's success lies in picking companies and products that promise eternal growth, even if the reality doesn't align with the hype.
The acquisitions of SolarCity, Twitter, and the Cybertruck showcase Musk playing outside the odds, relying on emotion, and making risky bets.

Flex your color

Wednesday Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Personal Development Team Dynamics Psychology

Understanding different personality types can help improve teamwork. People have different working styles, and recognizing these can enhance collaboration.
The True Colors personality model categorizes people into four colors based on their traits. Each color represents different strengths and weaknesses, which can help individuals understand themselves and others better.
Being aware of your default behavior allows you to adapt to different situations. Flexing your personality traits based on the needs of the moment can lead to better leadership and decision-making.

TBM 314: Using Enabling Constraints for Situational Awareness

The Beautiful Mess • 396 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Growth Efficiency Strategy Leadership

Rapid growth can lead to chaos and mistakes in organizations. It often happens when teams are expanded quickly without proper planning.
Using enabling constraints can help manage the mess during fast changes. They act like simple rules to keep teams focused and aware of potential issues.
It's important to regularly check on how things are going, especially when many people are involved in projects. This helps catch problems before they become serious.