The hottest Project management Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Technology Topics

A year of uv: pros, cons, and should you migrate

Bite code! • 7584 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Languages Project management Open Source Tooling
  1. Using the uv tool for Python project management is generally a good idea because it simplifies many tasks. You can always revert to other methods if it doesn't suit your needs.
  2. Uv helps solve common problems in Python setup by being independent of system Python installations. This makes it easier for users to manage different environments without confusion.
  3. While uv is great, there are certain situations where it might not be the best choice, like for legacy projects or in restrictive corporate environments. It's best to try uv first and see if it works for you.

The most neglected words of the Agile Manifesto

Ageling on Agile • 119 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Process Improvement Collaboration Project management
  1. The Agile Manifesto emphasizes that we're always discovering better ways to develop software, not just relying on established methods. It's about improving and adapting continuously.
  2. Though there are popular Agile methods like Scrum and XP, the key is to find what works best for your unique organization. Every team is different, and a one-size-fits-all approach may not fit your needs.
  3. The first sentence of the Agile Manifesto is often overlooked, but it encourages ongoing exploration in software development. This mindset fosters innovation and flexibility rather than strict adherence to any single method.

Why Your Data Infrastructure Migration Project Will Fail (And How to Succeed)

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Infrastructure Software Development Project management Change Management
  1. Having a clear plan is crucial for successful data migration projects. You need to know what to move and in what order to avoid chaos.
  2. Ownership of the migration process is important. There should be a clear leader or team responsible to keep everything on track.
  3. Testing data after migration is a must. Just moving the data doesn't guarantee that it works the same way, so check for any discrepancies.

Measuring Programmer Influence, Kinda Sorta

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1347 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Data Analysis Programming Project management
  1. Data can provide hints about a programmer's influence, but it can't give a clear answer. It's important to interpret the data with caution and avoid making strict decisions based solely on it.
  2. Creating files is one way to measure initiation of influence, but it's not the only factor. The impact is also determined by how frequently those files are modified by others.
  3. Using data for bonuses or promotions can lead to problems. It's better to focus on improvement and impact rather than just the numbers, to maintain a healthy team dynamic.

Remote Site Growth Is Not A Conquest Game

Software Design: Tidy First? • 839 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Design Remote work Project management Growth Strategy Collaboration
  1. When growing a remote site, it's better to explore many projects at once rather than stick to just a few. This can help increase chances of success early on.
  2. Balancing between immediate growth and long-term profitability is key. Sometimes, a quick push in new projects can lead to bigger rewards down the line.
  3. Bringing in new talent to fresh projects can provide new ideas and perspectives. It's important to believe in their potential to contribute quickly.
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Bugs Optional?

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1723 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Software Development Programming Engineering Quality Assurance Project management
  1. Bugs don't have to be a normal part of software development. Some teams manage to almost eliminate bugs by approaching their work differently.
  2. Instead of seeing bugs as inevitable, teams can work to understand and prevent them right from the start. This includes practices like continuous integration and team collaboration.
  3. Changing how we think about bugs from a normal part of life to something rare can help create a better work environment and improve software quality.

How to build an AI side project using AI in 2025

High Growth Engineer • 1434 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Tools Software Development Project management User Feedback
  1. Start a waitlist for your project before building it. This way, you can see if there's interest first and save time in the development process.
  2. When getting feedback, ask people about their experiences instead of yes-or-no questions. This helps you understand their actual problems and find better solutions.
  3. Using AI tools can make building your project more fun and efficient. You can create features quickly and not stress too much about cutting ideas.

Managing Expand Projects

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1193 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
💼 Business Project management Software Development Risk management Growth Strategies
  1. In a phase of rapid growth, problems can emerge suddenly, and it's crucial to focus on quick fixes instead of getting bogged down in perfect plans. This might mean using basic solutions to keep things running.
  2. When facing high demand and limited resources, the goal is to delay or prevent resource shortages. This can involve spending more money or reducing the growth rate to manage resources better.
  3. It's important to stay calm and creative during crises. Experimenting with new ideas in small, parallel teams can help find solutions quickly, which is necessary to continue growing without causing irreversible problems.

Data Leadership Done Right: Focusing on Work That Matters

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 506 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Career development Impact assessment Project management Team Dynamics
  1. Focus on what really matters in your work to create an impact, rather than just completing tasks. It's important to understand the value of what you do.
  2. As you grow in your role, ask yourself what projects move the needle for your organization. This questioning mindset helps drive meaningful change.
  3. To advance in your career, be proactive in identifying valuable projects instead of waiting for your manager to tell you what to do. Taking initiative is key to success.

The most neglected words of the Agile Manifesto

Ageling on Agile • 99 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Innovation Best Practices
  1. The Agile Manifesto emphasizes that we are constantly discovering better ways to develop software, not just using established methods. This means we should keep looking for improvements in our processes.
  2. It's important to focus on finding unique solutions that work for your specific organization. No single method is perfect for everyone.
  3. The Agile principles encourage collaboration and adaptation rather than strictly following a set plan. Being flexible helps teams create more value.

Fruits & Roots

Software Design: Tidy First? • 2187 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design Development Team Dynamics Project management Engineering Practices
  1. The Forest represents a way of working where teams can deliver value quickly and effectively, highlighting benefits like fewer bugs and delivering good news often.
  2. Achieving the success of The Forest requires commitment to its roots, which involve working together, learning actively, and not over-planning.
  3. Communicating a shared purpose and fostering a strong community are crucial for maintaining the balance between roots and fruits in a productive team environment.

The Product Development Triathlon

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1436 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Product Design Innovation Project management User Experience
  1. Product development happens in three main phases: Explore, Expand, and Extract. Each part has its own challenges and ways to tackle them.
  2. You need different skills and tools for each phase. Trying to use expansion tools in exploration will slow you down.
  3. It's important to notice when you're transitioning between phases. Adapting quickly helps keep the project on track.

5 Habits Of Highly Effective Data Engineers To Master in 2025

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 800 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Career growth Technical Skills Project management Professional development
  1. Being proactive means solving problems before they become bigger issues. If you see something that can be improved, go ahead and make that change instead of waiting for someone else to do it.
  2. Make sure your contributions are visible, so people recognize your work. Share your successes and updates with your team and leadership to build a stronger reputation.
  3. Become the go-to person for a specific area in your company. Focus on something valuable that can help others succeed, and make sure to share your knowledge and support with your team.

Forest & Desert

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1900 implied HN points • 11 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Design System Architecture Engineering Practices Project management
  1. In software development, there are two environments: a challenging 'desert' where mistakes are costly, and a supportive 'forest' where teams can work collaboratively and learn from their errors.
  2. Strategies that work in a desert, like detailed planning and strict reviews, won't help in a forest, which thrives on testing, incremental growth, and collaboration.
  3. To shift from a desert to a forest, teams need to understand why their current situation exists and take small steps toward creating a more supportive and effective work environment.

10 Situations Where Scrum Is a Burden For Developers

Ageling on Agile • 79 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Team Collaboration Product Management
  1. Scrum is not always the best fit for software teams. It works well in complex environments but can become a hassle if the situation is straightforward.
  2. When teams don't need to work together, like in the case of maintenance or support tasks, Scrum can feel unnecessary and unhelpful.
  3. If there’s no proper interaction with stakeholders or a culture of learning, the Scrum framework can hinder progress instead of helping it.

Parkinson's Law: The Power of Deadlines

FutureIQ • 1 implied HN point • 13 Jun 25
💼 Business Productivity Management Workplace Project management Time management
  1. 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.
  2. Setting tight deadlines can actually improve quality instead of harming it. It helps you avoid distractions and keep your focus where it matters.
  3. Finding the right balance in deadlines is key. They should be tight enough to challenge you but not so tight that you feel overwhelmed.

7 Lessons I Learned the Hard Way From 9+ Years as a Data Engineer

SeattleDataGuy’s Newsletter • 730 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Data Engineering Software Development Career Advice Project management Skills Training
  1. It's important to avoid building complex systems just for the sake of it. Focus on creating infrastructure that actually helps your team and the business.
  2. If you don’t plan your data model, you’ll end up with a messy one. Always take the time to design it properly to make future work easier.
  3. Good communication is really powerful. Being able to share your ideas clearly can help you get support and make a bigger impact in your projects.

Breakdown: Monday.com's AI Credit Model

Good Better Best • 3 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
💼 Business SaaS Pricing AI Project management Automation
  1. Monday.com has introduced an AI credit model that charges users based on successful tasks completed by AI. This encourages teams to try out AI features without fear of wasting credits.
  2. The AI features include automations, dynamic data processors, templates, and specialized assistant apps, all aimed at making workflows more efficient and productive.
  3. This credit-based pricing model allows for flexibility and predictability in costs, but can also add complexity that companies must manage.

TBM 335: "Simple" Dependency Coordination

The Beautiful Mess • 753 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics Project management Collaboration Productivity
  1. It's better to focus on fewer tasks and do them well, rather than spreading yourself too thin and making mediocre progress on everything. Aim for a clear main focus.
  2. Collaboration patterns between teams are more effective than just relying on lists of tasks. Discuss how to work together instead of getting bogged down in details.
  3. Starting with a conservative approach is usually smarter. Leaving some room for capacity means you can tackle tasks better rather than cramming everything in and ending up with nothing to show.

Continuous Software Engineering: Part 2 - Continuous Planning & Prioritization

The Healthy Engineering Leader • 19 implied HN points • 19 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Agile methodologies Project management Team Collaboration Continuous Improvement
  1. Continuous Planning means regularly updating your plans as things change. This helps teams stay effective and respond quickly to new information.
  2. Continuous Prioritization allows teams to adjust their focus based on what’s most important at any moment. This ensures they always work on tasks that matter the most.
  3. Both continuous planning and prioritization make teams more adaptable. They can shift their strategies easily and keep delivering value, even in changing environments.

Is your project on schedule? How do you know?

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Project management Leadership Team Dynamics Risk management
  1. To keep projects on track, it's essential to dig deep into details and understand all aspects involved. This helps find hidden issues before they become problems.
  2. Unexpected challenges will always arise, so having backup plans is crucial. It's better to prepare for potential setbacks than to face surprises later.
  3. Effective project estimates need thorough discussions and clear communication among all teams. This helps ensure everyone understands what needs to be done and avoids over-optimism.

TBM 322: Work Shape Mix

The Beautiful Mess • 647 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
💼 Business Project management Organizational Behavior Team Dynamics Product Development Strategic Planning
  1. Companies often deal with three types of work: large projects, independent product work, and new zero-to-one efforts. Each type requires different management and has its own risks.
  2. As a company grows, it shifts from doing new projects to having more complex ones. It’s important to balance these types of work to avoid chaos and inefficiency.
  3. Recognizing when to formalize new processes is crucial. Waiting too long could lead to bigger problems, so it’s key to find a balance between addressing issues and letting some friction stay.

I Was Wrong About Scrum, Again

Rethinking Software • 549 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Team Dynamics Product Management
  1. Sprints can feel non-stop and stressful since they don't have breaks, which can lead to burnout. It's suggested that a 'sustainable pace' would help, but taking real breaks might be a simpler solution.
  2. Daily stand-ups can make team members feel pressured to justify their work constantly. However, the intent behind them is not for status updates but to facilitate communication and support.
  3. The role of a Product Owner in Scrum can leave developers feeling sidelined. Developers may worry that their insights are overlooked, but it’s believed that good Product Owners will always prioritize the development team's needs.

Testing Too Late: A Case Study

QUALITY BOSS • 139 implied HN points • 09 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Software Quality Assurance Project management Development Testing
  1. Testing too late can cause big delays in getting software to users. If QA is behind, it creates confusion and slows down the whole process.
  2. Good communication between development and QA teams is really important. Working in separate sprints can lead to misunderstandings and more difficult bug fixes.
  3. It's essential to define when a task is 'done' to include testing. If something isn't tested, it shouldn't be considered complete, ensuring that quality stays high.

Scrum’s Definition of Done Is Polishing Plates in a Burning Kitchen

Rethinking Software • 499 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Quality Assurance Team Dynamics
  1. Scrum's Definition of Done creates extra pressure on developers to deliver perfect work, even when the process is chaotic. It doesn't fix the problems; it just shifts the blame onto the team.
  2. Instead of focusing on quality, Scrum encourages speed and follows strict checklists. This leads to developers cutting corners just to meet unrealistic deadlines.
  3. Real improvements would come from changing the whole process, like allowing more time for reflection, empowering developers, and reducing unnecessary meetings, which would promote better quality work.

How to lead projects from start to finish as a software engineer

High Growth Engineer • 1285 implied HN points • 10 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering Project management Leadership Communication Documentation
  1. Successful software engineers need to know how to lead projects, not just code
  2. Key project management steps include kickoff, setup, planning, execution, launch, and close-out
  3. Communication, alignment on goals, and iterative feedback are crucial throughout the project lifecycle

#1 I started a new project

Nittarab’s Substack • 59 implied HN points • 06 Aug 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Startups Project management Digital Products Online Platforms
  1. The author is beginning a new project and wants to share the journey publicly. This approach helps them learn and receive feedback from others.
  2. They aim to create an all-in-one platform for freelancers to manage their online businesses easily, addressing gaps in existing solutions.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of enjoying the project and views it as a way to bring new energy into their life without making radical changes.

Delusions of grandeur

Kenny’s Sub • 239 implied HN points • 21 May 24
💼 Business Entrepreneurship Market research Startups Business strategy Project management
  1. Having big ideas can be exciting, but it's important to ground them in reality. You might be really enthusiastic about your dreams, but they need to be achievable in the real world.
  2. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement and ignore warnings. Just because something feels good doesn't mean it will be successful.
  3. Learning from failure is okay. Taking risks and experiencing disappointment can teach you valuable lessons for the future.

The corporate solopreneur

Kenny’s Sub • 159 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
💼 Business Freelancing Entrepreneurship Consulting Networking Project management
  1. It's important to understand the context of your clients' businesses. Many small businesses don't have complex plans like big corporations do.
  2. Asking detailed project questions can be unhelpful when working with smaller clients. They may only need basic support for their immediate needs.
  3. Using the right tools for each specific job is crucial. If your current skills don’t fit, it's okay to seek help or adapt your approach.

How TPMs Lose Credibility and What to Avoid

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Management Leadership Project management Team Dynamics Communication
  1. Credibility is crucial for TPMs because it's how they build trust with their teams and leaders. Consistently following through on promises and communicating effectively helps maintain that trust.
  2. Small mistakes can lead to big problems. Overlooking details, not following processes, and poorly communicating can damage a TPM's credibility quickly.
  3. Being proactive rather than reactive is important. TPMs should anticipate potential issues to show they're engaged and capable, which strengthens their credibility.

Build Software Like a Home

Tech Ramblings • 39 implied HN points • 11 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Software Development System Design Architecture Project management Engineering Practices
  1. Designing software is like laying the foundation of a house. A good structure makes it easier to build and change things later.
  2. Planning your work is crucial. Just like you wouldn't install plumbing before your walls are up, you shouldn't write code before having a solid plan.
  3. Create a clear process to develop your software. Start with architecture, build the basics, and then refine. This helps you deliver updates quickly and efficiently.

v0.0.1: Open Source GitHub repo review

The Open Source Expert • 79 implied HN points • 08 Jul 24
🕹 Technology Open Source GitHub Software Development Project management Community Engagement
  1. Getting a repo's setup right is important. A good description and a clear README help users understand the project quickly.
  2. Having key documents like a Code of Conduct, License, and templates for issues and pull requests makes collaboration smoother.
  3. Using labels for issues helps keep everything organized, making it easier to find what you need in a busy project.

When Overwhelmed, Make a List of Questions

Push to Prod • 39 implied HN points • 05 Aug 24
💼 Business Management Problem Solving Decision-making Project management Team Collaboration
  1. When you feel overwhelmed, writing down your questions can help clarify your thoughts. It's a simple way to break down a complex problem.
  2. Answering even one question can give you more confidence and direction, leading to better decision-making. It’s a helpful way to gather information and make progress.
  3. This technique isn't just for work; it can be useful in everyday situations too, like before meetings with accountants or lawyers. Taking the time to write questions helps you feel more prepared.

Unicorn Projects

Polymathic Being • 65 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
💼 Business Innovation Project management Process Optimization Systems Thinking Best Practices
  1. Many teams believe their projects are special or unique, but this mindset can lead to mistakes because they ignore proven methods that could help them succeed.
  2. Looking for what’s common between projects instead of focusing on differences can help teams use best practices more effectively, leading to better outcomes.
  3. True innovation happens when teams recognize common problems and find areas that actually need new solutions, rather than chasing after the idea of uniqueness.

Definition of Dumb

Rethinking Software • 249 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Quality Assurance Team Dynamics
  1. The Definition of Done in Scrum can often mask real problems instead of solving them. It makes it seem like poor quality doesn't exist by placing all responsibility on the developers.
  2. Many companies stick to strict processes without recognizing their flaws. This leads to frustration among developers who are pushed to meet unrealistic expectations.
  3. Empowering developers to create their own processes might lead to better results. By trusting the team, companies can produce high-quality work without getting bogged down by rigid frameworks.

Why Scrum is Stressing You Out

Rethinking Software • 445 HN points • 11 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Productivity Project management
  1. Sprints make work feel never-ending because they are constant deadlines without breaks. Unlike past methods, there’s no time to rest and recharge, leading to ongoing stress.
  2. Sprints are often imposed on teams without their input, removing their freedom and motivation. Control over how work is done is important for reducing stress and improving satisfaction.
  3. In Scrum, there is little time for preparation before starting tasks. Developers need time to think, plan, and get ready to tackle projects, or they end up feeling overwhelmed and unprepared.

Code Reviews, Not Code Approvals

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Remote work Project management Code Review Agile Methodology
  1. Asynchronous communication is key for remote work, allowing people to respond when they can without blocking others. This way, everyone can keep working on their own tasks without unnecessary interruptions.
  2. Traditional code reviews often act more like approvals, which can slow down progress and cause delays. It's better to think of them as a way to give feedback after code is deployed, not as a gatekeeping step.
  3. By changing code reviews to be more like reviews after deployment, teams can keep moving forward. This helps avoid bottlenecks and allows for quicker corrections and improvements in code.

Reader Mailbag: Architect having a hard time letting go

Tech and Tea • 82 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Team Management Project management Collaboration
  1. Building a good relationship with your architect is important. Showing that you appreciate his work can help create a positive atmosphere.
  2. Understanding why the architect is holding on too tightly to tasks can help you address his concerns. It might be about trust, feeling needed, or being overwhelmed.
  3. Start with small projects to help him delegate tasks. This can build trust and reduce his workload, allowing him to focus on more strategic aspects.

How Agile Are You Really?

Rethinking Software • 299 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Development Agile Methodology Project management Organizational Behavior
  1. Agile should give more decision-making power to developers instead of keeping it all with managers. When developers can make choices, they can respond better to challenges in their work.
  2. Developers should connect directly with customers instead of relying on a middle person, like a product owner. This helps them understand what users want and build better products.
  3. Releasing work often and early is important for getting feedback. Instead of waiting for fixed time frames, developers should share updates when they're ready to adjust based on customer input.