The hottest Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

Engineer to CEO in 3 years: These key lessons got me there

High Growth Engineer • 717 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25

Simplify your communication by sharing only the important details. It's better to answer the main question first and add more info later if needed.
Look for gaps in your team or company where you can help. Taking initiative and proposing solutions can help you grow in your career.
Listen to your team and find out what problems they face. Removing obstacles makes it easier for everyone to work better together.

Prompting is Managing

Breaking Smart • 125 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Management Education Cognition Research

Using AI tools like chatbots is similar to managing interns. It's not about doing the work yourself but overseeing the process.
Focusing on sameness in writing can help maintain quality, but it may also limit creativity. Good management knows when to stick to the rules and when to encourage originality.
We need to change how we teach writing and management skills for the AI era. It’s important to build skills for overseeing new technologies rather than just avoiding them.

TBM 361: Context, Collaboration, Intent, and Investment

The Beautiful Mess • 476 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25

💼 Business Strategy Management Collaboration Investment Operations

Understanding context is important. It helps teams see the bigger picture and how things change over time.
Intent is about setting clear goals for the future. Being specific about what you want to achieve can help guide actions.
Collaboration and investment matter, too. Good teamwork and smart use of resources can drive better results and make projects more successful.

The Generalist’s Productivity Stack

The Generalist • 5063 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25

💼 Business Productivity Management Technology Workplace Tools

Start your day by choosing three important tasks to focus on. This helps keep your day organized and priorities clear.
Try speaking your emails instead of writing them. It saves time and makes responding easier, especially for tricky messages.
Use tools like Claude to help take notes while you read. It saves you time and keeps your information organized for later use.

Fred Smith Built a Great American Company. What Made Him Tick?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 524 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Logistics E-commerce Management Marketing

Fred Smith came up with the idea for FedEx while at Yale, despite not doing well in school. He didn't let that grade stop him from building a huge company.
FedEx changed how people expect deliveries with its promise of overnight shipping. Smith had to navigate many rules to make this vision a reality.
As the internet grew, Smith adapted by expanding into ground shipping, helping FedEx stay strong against competitors like UPS and Amazon.

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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.

The Jeff Bezos Playbook

The Generalist • 1080 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

💼 Business E-commerce Management Strategy Entrepreneurship Leadership

Be customer-obsessed, going above and beyond to meet their needs can lead to long-term benefits, even if it means sacrificing short-term profits.
Always be willing to innovate and don't fear failure; it’s a crucial part of success in business.
Sometimes, it's smart to work with your competitors for mutual benefit, as this can set you up for future advantages against them.

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.

AI Agents Are The New Flying Cars

Building Rome(s) • 3 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25

🕹 Technology AI Software Productivity Innovation Management

Expect your first AI agent to fail; it's part of the learning journey. Each failure gives you important insights to improve.
Think of AI tools as ongoing programs, not one-time projects. Start small, track your progress, and keep making improvements.
Set clear expectations when using AI technology. It’s not just about getting it perfect, but about learning and evolving as you go.

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.

TBM 360: "Wait! I Thought the Team Was Overloaded?!"

The Beautiful Mess • 383 implied HN points • 30 May 25

💼 Business Management Leadership Work Culture Team Dynamics Productivity

Teams often feel overwhelmed with too much work, but managers might deny there's a problem. It's important to listen to the team on the front lines.
Sometimes, leaders want to cut down on projects, but managers are afraid to suggest it due to fear of losing resources. Clear and honest conversations can help break this cycle.
If there are too many options with no clear priority, it's necessary to focus on one important goal at a time. This helps to reduce confusion and improves team effectiveness.

Frameworks for Managing Up as a Software Engineer

High Growth Engineer • 624 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Software Engineering Management Career development Communication Trust Building

Building trust with your manager is essential. Focus on being sincere, reliable, caring, and competent in your work.
You need to speak your manager's language. Understand their goals and priorities to communicate effectively and prevent misunderstandings.
Regular updates matter. Create a system for updates that keeps your manager informed without overwhelming them, ensuring that every communication is valuable.

Should managers still code?

The Engineering Manager • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25

🕹 Technology Management Software Development Engineering Leadership

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.
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.
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.

Markets Do the Good Things That Sound Bad

Bet On It • 246 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25

💼 Business Economics Markets Policy Management Corporate Governance

Markets often get criticized for being cost-conscious and risk-aware, but these qualities can actually lead to better outcomes for society. It's important to remember that ignoring costs can create bad decisions.
People think businesses focusing on profits are bad, but profit-seeking can sometimes lead to positive results. It's about balancing risks for larger gains rather than taking reckless risks.
Many popular arguments against markets don't see the bigger picture. When looking at overall success and safety, richer countries with fewer regulations often fare better than poorer, heavily regulated ones.

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.

Feedback

Fish Food for Thought • 6 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25

💼 Business Management Leadership Feedback Human Resources Performance

Feedback can be hard to give and receive, but it’s important for growth. Creating trust and a safe environment helps people be open to it.
When receiving feedback, remember to own your part in it, whether it's accurate or not. Acknowledging feedback shows you are willing to improve.
Instead of yearly reviews, having ongoing, real-time feedback helps people grow faster. This new approach can lead to better performance and stronger teams.

3 Mistakes to avoid when writing your performance review

High Growth Engineer • 866 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25

💼 Business Career development Workplace Management Performance Human Resources

Don’t start writing your performance review from scratch. Create a separate document summarizing your work to help you organize your thoughts and provide a clear overview.
Avoid assuming that everyone knows the details of your work. Write your review in a way that any reader, even a senior leader, can easily understand the impact of your contributions.
Use specific numbers and clear statements to show your impact. Instead of vague phrases, quantify your achievements and relate them to team goals for better clarity.

The Hagakure #87: One Year In

The Hagakure • 92 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25

💼 Business Leadership Management Startup Product Development Systems Thinking

It's important to build a connected system for your team that everyone understands and trusts. This helps improve productivity and makes sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities.
Staying honest and present with your team is key. Being approachable and authentic can help build strong relationships, especially during tough times.
Embracing change quickly is vital, especially when new technologies emerge. Don't hesitate to adapt your strategy and structure to meet new challenges head-on.

Killing A Bad Strategy Before It Kills you

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 4413 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25

💼 Business Strategy Leadership Decision-making Management History

1. Grand strategy helps you achieve big goals with limited resources. Since everyone faces resource limits, using what you have smartly can lead to unexpected successes.
2. Foxes tend to predict better than hedgehogs because they use many ideas and adapt. Foxes keep an open mind, while hedgehogs stick to one big idea, even if it's wrong.
3. Planning is important, but sticking too rigidly to a plan can be a mistake. It's better to remain flexible and adjust to new opportunities as they arise.

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.

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.

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.

Being an Engineering Manager at IKEA businesses

Leading Developers • 59 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25

💼 Business Management Engineering Digital Transformation Corporate culture Consulting

Working in a big company like IKEA means understanding its history and complexity. Engineers need to be humble and learn from the existing systems and processes before proposing changes.
Communication and collaboration are key. New engineering managers should focus on making meetings productive and should not rely too much on consultants to solve problems.
Engineers at IKEA are expected to engage deeply with the business. It's important to know how things work beyond just coding, and it's essential to build relationships and trust within teams.

Conviction-Led Contrarianism

Investing 101 • 138 implied HN points • 24 May 25

💼 Business Investing Entrepreneurship Innovation Management Strategy

It's important to think differently and go against the crowd sometimes. Instead of just trying to fit in, being a contrarian can lead to amazing innovations.
Don't let what other people think stop you from pursuing your ideas. Often, we worry too much about others' opinions, but we can be more free and creative when we focus on what we truly believe.
Always aim to have strong reasons for your beliefs. It's great to be a contrarian, but make sure you're right and not just being difficult for the sake of it.

Startups, This Is How You Update Investors

Points And Figures • 373 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25

💼 Business Startups Investing Finance Management Entrepreneurship

Startups should keep their investors updated regularly, like every quarter. Simple updates help investors stay engaged and offer support.
When updating, focus on key points like growth rates, income or losses, and any future capital raising. It's best to keep it clear and short.
Investors can be valuable beyond just their money. They can help with introductions and potential partnerships, so it's crucial to communicate effectively with them.

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.

On ne te virera pas

L'Atelier Galita • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24

💼 Business Employment Management Career development Negotiation

Most people worry too much about getting fired when they actually have a lot of protection once they are in a permanent job. Employers need a real reason to let someone go after the trial period.
Don't rush to resign without a good reason. Being fired can give you unemployment benefits, while quitting usually won't. You're safer in a job than you might think.
Your worth in the job market matters a lot. The more skills you have, the less likely you'll be fired, and the better conditions you can negotiate.

Parkinson's Law: The Power of Deadlines

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jun 25

💼 Business Productivity Management Workplace Project management Time management

Work tends to fill the time you give it, so if you set a shorter deadline, you'll likely finish faster. This is known as Parkinson's Law.
Setting tight deadlines can actually improve quality instead of harming it. It helps you avoid distractions and keep your focus where it matters.
Finding the right balance in deadlines is key. They should be tight enough to challenge you but not so tight that you feel overwhelmed.

How we built a business out of recession - chapter 35 - the wild goose chase continues

The ZIPster • 26 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25

💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Expansion Finance Management

Expanding a business into new markets can be really tricky. Many companies assume they will succeed without understanding local culture or costs, and that can lead to big losses.
Hiring the right people is essential, especially in new regions. You need experienced local managers who understand the market and can connect with customers.
Sometimes, it's better to focus on nearby markets instead of chasing distant dreams. Building strong local partnerships can lead to better results without unnecessary risks.

THRIVE: My Guiding Leadership Principles

The Engineering Leader • 99 implied HN points • 06 Oct 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Team Building Professional development Innovation

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.
Adapting your leadership style to fit different teams and situations is crucial. Being flexible helps address unique challenges and fosters team success.
Empowerment is key to growth. When you give your team the resources and autonomy to lead, you help them develop their skills and confidence.

Complain & Propose

Software Design: Tidy First? • 3026 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24

🕹 Technology Software Design Engineering Communication Management

Always offer a solution when you raise a complaint. This helps others see the way forward and saves time.
Consider things from the other person's point of view. Everyone has their own valid perspective, and understanding that can improve communication.
Don't let emotions cloud your judgment about others' intentions. Assume people mean well, even if they lack experience.

Attention To Details

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25

💼 Business Leadership Management Personal Development Career growth Entrepreneurship

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.
Using checklists and working with others can help catch mistakes you might miss. Teamwork and good habits make a big difference.
Balancing big ideas with detailed execution is key. Great leaders not only dream big but also make sure the small steps are done right.

Scrum Is No Excuse To Avoid Accountabilities

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 03 Oct 24

💼 Business Management Agile Productivity Teamwork

Scrum helps teams work better, but it doesn't mean people can ignore their responsibilities. Everyone needs to step up and be accountable.
Self-management in Scrum isn't just about freedoms; it also includes taking on duties and being responsible for their work.
It's important for everyone in a Scrum team to communicate clearly and understand what is needed to succeed, especially regarding project timelines.

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 Essential Intangibles

DruGroup • 139 implied HN points • 03 Sep 24

💼 Business Leadership Management Skills Development Training

Being a skilled leader isn't enough; you also need certain qualities called intangibles. These qualities may not be easy to measure, but they are essential for effective leadership.
Leadership intangibles include selflessness, risk-taking, and transparency. Focusing on these traits can help leaders build better relationships with their teams.
You can learn and improve these intangibles through your everyday experiences, rather than needing special training. Recognizing and addressing your blind spots can make a big difference.

How To Give Yourself A Promotion And Grow Your Business Beyond Solo Freelancing

VERY GOOD PRODUCTIZED GUIDES • 99 implied HN points • 09 Sep 24

💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Marketing Management Growth Strategies

To grow beyond solo freelancing, you need to stop doing everything yourself. Focus on what you do best and outsource the tasks that take up too much of your time.
It's important to package your services in a way that clients understand and can buy easily. This means creating fixed-fee services that have clear pricing and deliverables.
You should regularly audit how you spend your time to figure out what tasks can be delegated. This helps free up your schedule for the high-value work that you enjoy.

Close the Umbrella

The Engineering Leader • 159 implied HN points • 22 Sep 24

💼 Business Management Leadership Team Dynamics Organizational Culture Workplace well-being

Managers should be honest and transparent with their teams. Hiding difficult information can backfire and leave everyone unprepared.
Overprotecting a team can create dependence and limit their growth. It's important for team members to face challenges to develop their skills.
A balanced approach is best. Managers can help their teams focus by filtering out unnecessary distractions while still being transparent about real issues.