The hottest Management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Business Topics
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 59 implied HN points 14 Oct 20
  1. Being prepared for uncertainty may seem like a waste, but it's actually important. It helps businesses adapt when things go wrong.
  2. Being fair to employees, customers, and suppliers pays off in the long run. If you treat them well, they are more likely to help you in tough times.
  3. Operating responsibly might look inefficient, but it creates flexibility. This flexibility is a valuable resource that businesses can rely on during unpredictable situations.
The Leadership Lab 19 implied HN points 10 Jan 22
  1. Conflict is normal in startups, but the goal is to be drama-free. Healthy conflict is essential for growth.
  2. Leaders must commit to working through conflicts to maintain relationships in startup teams.
  3. A Founder's Guide aims to provide reliable foundations for startup challenges, freeing up resources for innovation.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 59 implied HN points 07 Oct 20
  1. Valuable work today involves adapting and innovating constantly. This means being open to changes in roles as work evolves.
  2. Open-ended roles can lead to worker exploitation if not managed properly, especially for those with low job value. High-value workers, however, can thrive in such flexible environments.
  3. Using open-ended roles and negotiation helps teams evolve and adapt to new challenges. This is crucial for jobs that deal with uncertainty and require creative problem-solving.
Femstreet 7 implied HN points 03 Dec 23
  1. The '15% + 1 level' rule for creating buy-in and moving immovable things emphasizes thinking one level higher to get buy-in for ideas.
  2. The ten commandments of consumer behavior stress understanding human nature for successful product adoption and growth.
  3. Consider hiring an interim CMO as a low-risk, high-return option to build your leadership team effectively.
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The Jolly Contrarian 39 implied HN points 26 Mar 21
  1. Legal negotiations can serve as a 'significance signifier' of one's commitment in a business relationship.
  2. Before investing in new technologies or innovations, focus on fixing broken processes first to ensure lasting value.
  3. In a crisis, technology should not complicate situations further and should be designed to not interfere with diagnostics and resolution.
Tribal Knowledge 19 implied HN points 02 May 22
  1. Having a high attention to detail can be both an asset and a weakness, allowing you to see the little things but potentially missing the big picture.
  2. Managing context switching can be tough, especially in roles where you need to be involved in different subjects concurrently.
  3. Taking notes and reducing the number of priorities can help in combating context switching and cognitive overload.
Logos 19 implied HN points 27 May 22
  1. In startup culture, it's important to recognize that many things are seen as 'broken.' Instead of making small improvements, you should embrace the mindset that big changes are needed.
  2. Using language from manufacturing can help you fit in. Words like 'build,' 'ship,' and 'tinker' are commonly used in tech. Adopting this language can make you feel more like part of the team.
  3. Startups thrive in chaos and uncertainty. Instead of trying to create order and processes, focus on building relationships and influencing others to get things done.
Into the Hedge 1 HN point 01 May 24
  1. The PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act) system, rooted in an anarchic ethos, is successfully used on a farm to manage work without needing authoritarian supervision.
  2. Despite challenges, PDCA can be effective in corporate environments, but it may require adaptation and a supportive workplace to thrive.
  3. Regular meetings following the steps of PDCA help the farm team review and plan their work, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability.
Gradient Flow 39 implied HN points 31 Dec 20
  1. The post highlights key AI and data trends for 2021, with a focus on managing data-focused teams and upcoming trends to watch out for.
  2. A selection of recommended books from 2020 covers a wide range of topics, from data analytics and machine learning to history, biography, security, and big tech.
  3. The author provides a glimpse into personal experiences in 2019, like visiting the longest zipline in the world, and sends well wishes for 2021.
A Perfectly Cromulent Software Engineer 1 HN point 21 Apr 24
  1. Transitioning to a traditional job from freelance work can be a significant change in routine and responsibilities.
  2. Challenges and growth opportunities can arise when tasked with larger, more ambiguous projects that test technical abilities.
  3. Recognizing toxic behavior in oneself or others, such as being uncooperative and rude, is essential in maintaining a positive work environment.
Nikola’s Substack 1 HN point 20 Apr 24
  1. Consider streamlining meetings in Scrum - fewer, more effective meetings can be beneficial.
  2. Simplify story points and estimations in Scrum by setting straightforward guidelines to avoid confusion and enhance planning.
  3. Maintain the core strengths of Scrum like sprint structure and the Scrum Master role, while adapting them to best suit the team and project needs.
The SEO MBA 5 implied HN points 02 Jan 24
  1. The importance of communicating the value of SEO to senior management will continue to grow in 2024.
  2. SEO MBA courses are offering a 10% discount until Jan 31st on two key courses: Executive Presence and The Art of Client Management.
  3. The SEO MBA newsletter will focus on delivering more quality content in 2024, with guest columns being opened up as well.
Product Mindset's Newsletter 17 implied HN points 26 Feb 23
  1. A logic model helps in planning by defining inputs, activities, outputs, and outcomes of a product.
  2. Understanding outcomes is crucial to determine business objectives and success strategies.
  3. Outcomes are the goals a business aims to achieve, while outputs are the tangible results of activities, and inputs are the resources needed for the results.
The Caring Techie Newsletter 9 implied HN points 12 Jul 23
  1. Transitioning from individual contributor to engineering manager requires deep reflection and research.
  2. Engineering management involves leading and coordinating engineering activities, but it's not as easy as it may seem on paper.
  3. Successful engineering managers need a different skill set than individual contributors, including strong people skills and patience.
The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) 59 implied HN points 04 Dec 19
  1. The uncertainty mindset means understanding that the future is unpredictable. It allows a person to remain open to new information and possibilities.
  2. Mindsets influence how we think and act. A flexible mindset helps us adapt to changes and can lead to new opportunities for growth.
  3. Leaders can encourage an uncertainty mindset in their teams. This involves being honest about uncertainty and helping employees feel comfortable navigating it.
The Future CEO 1 HN point 11 Apr 24
  1. Understanding how to ask for help and support others in the workplace is crucial to building a positive culture.
  2. There are diverse reasons individuals seek help, from coping with pressures to fostering a sense of belonging and support.
  3. True support extends beyond technical problem-solving; it involves active listening, empathy, and understanding unique perspectives to provide meaningful help.
The Caring Techie Newsletter 6 implied HN points 18 Oct 23
  1. Irina has had a diverse career journey from software engineer to tech lead to manager at big tech companies like Google and Uber.
  2. Coaching became a passion for Irina after realizing the joy of helping her team find their own solutions.
  3. Big tech companies have more structured and hierarchical leadership styles, while startups lean towards entrepreneurial and hands-on leadership.
Building Rome(s) 9 implied HN points 03 Jun 23
  1. There are two types of Technical Program Manager personalities: Wartime and Peacetime.
  2. Different environments require different approaches: Wartime programs demand focus and urgency, while Peacetime programs allow for more experimentation.
  3. Wartime and Peacetime TPMs have distinct qualities: Wartime TPMs are decisive and action-oriented, while Peacetime TPMs focus on process and consensus-building.
The Geek Way 1 HN point 01 Apr 24
  1. Encouraging vulnerability in the workplace can lead to malingering, which can harm cooperation within a team.
  2. Model 1 leadership norms, like taking charge and minimizing losing, may not be suitable for running a modern company that requires adaptation to change.
  3. Defensiveness in Model 1 leadership can hinder innovation and prevent companies from thriving in a rapidly changing business landscape.
Musings on Markets 19 implied HN points 10 Dec 21
  1. There isn't a one-size-fits-all for great CEOs. The right skills depend on what stage the company is in, from start-up to decline.
  2. Mismatches between a CEO and the company's needs can happen when boards hire someone who doesn't fit the current phase of the company, which can hurt the business.
  3. Investors should be cautious with founder-led companies because founders might not always have the skills needed as the company changes and grows.
Rethinking Software 2 HN points 03 Sep 24
  1. The 'bus test' checks if a company can function without a specific person. If they can't, their idea is often rejected. But this test can stifle creativity and good ideas.
  2. Believing every employee is replaceable can hurt a company's innovation. Unique contributions should be valued, as they help a company grow and stay competitive.
  3. Encouraging unique ideas instead of over-standardizing processes can motivate employees. When people feel appreciated for their creativity, they are less likely to leave the organization.
The Caring Techie Newsletter 7 implied HN points 26 Jul 23
  1. Management is not always the natural next step for great individual contributors; it requires different core competencies.
  2. Leadership skills are essential for managers, but not all leaders need to become managers.
  3. Becoming a manager does not guarantee more money or prestige compared to staying on the individual contributor track.