The hottest Team Dynamics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Business Topics

Measuring the Productivity of Developers

burkhardstubert • 39 implied HN points • 04 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. McKinsey suggests measuring developer productivity using new metrics that track time spent on development versus other tasks. This way, they want to see more time in real coding and less in meetings.
  2. Orosz and Beck argue that measuring effort or output isn't very useful because people might manipulate those numbers. Instead, they say to focus on the actual effects of the work, like the value that reaches customers.
  3. Team performance is more important than individual effort. It's better to measure how well a team works together than to judge each person separately.

Is your project on schedule? How do you know?

Respectful Leadership • 54 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  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.

What I wish somebody told me during my first year as a manager

Leading Developers • 59 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Don’t try to control everything in your team. It’s important to let your team members take on responsibilities and grow.
  2. Stop complaining about others without taking action. It’s more effective to give direct feedback to those who need it instead of gossiping.
  3. Remember to take a step back and appreciate the progress you and your team are making. Self-reflection can help you see how far you've come.

Flex your color

Wednesday Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Understanding different personality types can help improve teamwork. People have different working styles, and recognizing these can enhance collaboration.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.

Drama, Disorder, and Disintegration: The Many Faces of Dysfunctional Leadership Teams

The Leadership Lab • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Having a conscious, connected, and effective leadership team is crucial for success. It's like having a stable stool with three legs - missing one means imbalance and struggle.
  2. Identifying the state of your leadership team is key - from disintegration when all aspects are missing, to different scenarios like codependence and friction with one missing aspect, or specific challenges with two missing aspects.
  3. The ideal is a complete team with all three aspects in place - conscious, connected, and effective. This requires dedication and commitment from all team members to maintain the standard.
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Lessons in Leadership from Formula 1: Christian Horner vs Toto Wolff

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 10 Jul 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Leadership styles can really affect how well a team performs. Some leaders pile on pressure, while others focus on support and growth.
  2. When teams feel secure and supported, they tend to perform better. Creating a positive environment helps people grow into their roles.
  3. It's important to think long-term when leading. Investing in people and their development brings better results instead of expecting immediate performance.

The Narcissistic Leader

Fish Food for Thought • 14 implied HN points • 13 Aug 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Real leadership isn't about one person's brilliance, but how well a team works together. A good leader empowers others to shine.
  2. Narcissistic leaders can achieve short-term success but often hurt the team's culture and morale. They may overlook the contributions of others.
  3. Great leaders focus on building systems and teams for long-term success, not just on being the center of attention. They help others grow and lead.

Challenge Network

Fish Food for Thought • 15 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. People often stick to their beliefs and avoid changing their minds, even when presented with new information. This can lead to bad decisions and problems in work and relationships.
  2. Building a 'challenge network' helps people get honest feedback and encourages them to rethink their ideas. Surrounding yourself with critics who care can prevent overconfidence and promote growth.
  3. For leaders, having a challenge network is crucial. It helps them stay humble, invites diverse perspectives, and ultimately leads to better decision-making in their teams.

Brief thoughts on product management

Logos • 39 implied HN points • 11 Jul 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. The term 'product manager' can mean different things in different companies, which makes it confusing. This lack of clear definition can lead to misunderstandings and inefficiencies.
  2. Many roles within product management can overlap, such as those of engineers, designers, and analysts. It's important to recognize these roles and how they can work together in teams.
  3. A new approach could be to form multi-functional teams without a designated PM role, allowing individuals to grow into leadership positions while keeping their functional expertise.

How I almost quit because of $75

Leading Developers • 114 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Throughout your career, there will be moments where you consider quitting. It's important to weigh the reasons behind your feelings and analyze your options before making a decision.
  2. Sometimes, finding new challenges and growth opportunities can be discovered outside of work. Exploring different avenues and testing your skills in various areas can provide valuable experiences.
  3. Building strong relationships with colleagues and having trust in your team and the direction of your company can be key factors in deciding to stay and overcome challenges at work.

Episode 32: Better Built By Burkhard

burkhardstubert • 79 implied HN points • 15 Dec 22
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Continuous Delivery can greatly improve software development efficiency. It reduces the time for building and testing, leading to faster and more reliable integrations.
  2. Organizations should focus on both technical and social aspects to optimize their performance. The way teams are structured influences how the software is developed, so it's key to align team setups with software architecture.
  3. Successful change in organizations is best achieved by starting with willing participants. Using principles like attraction and scarcity can help create interested teams who want to improve rather than forcing everyone to follow new practices.

How the All Blacks stopped being "chokers"

Ben’s Blog 🏉 🧠🧑‍💻 • 36 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Team Dynamics
  1. The All Blacks learned to handle pressure better after being called 'chokers'. They realized that being physically fit wasn't enough to win under stress.
  2. They brought in a psychologist who taught them to focus on their process and how to reset themselves during games. This helped them stay calm and perform better.
  3. By changing their mindset and improving their mental game, the All Blacks became two-time World Cup champions and showed the importance of mental strength in sports.

The Product Manager’s Guide to Not Slowing Things Down

Kathy PM • 13 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Speed is crucial in product management. The faster you iterate and ship, the more problems you can solve and learn from.
  2. Product managers should focus on clearing obstacles for the team instead of adding to the confusion. Create clarity and let engineers do their work without delays.
  3. To improve velocity, write things down early, stay ahead of the team, and eliminate unnecessary meetings. Keeping things moving is key to success.

Language isn't the cure

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 01 May 22
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. New programming languages or techniques won't solve old problems. Teams need to focus on fixing their systems before expecting a new language to make things better.
  2. People often believe learning a new language will improve their skills, but it doesn't address deeper issues like organization or trust. Just like learning a different language won’t make someone a great writer.
  3. Fixing systemic team issues takes hard work and discipline. Sometimes, sticking with familiar tools can be more effective than constantly chasing new options.

The MANY Alternatives to Scrum

Rethinking Software • 50 HN points • 01 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. Scrum isn't the only way to manage software development. There are many effective alternatives that some companies are using successfully.
  2. Each alternative relies on worker freedom and experimenting, so it's important to find a process that fits your team's needs, not just a one-size-fits-all solution.
  3. Processes like Kanban or Agile focus on continuous flow and autonomy, which can lead to better results than traditional Scrum methods.

How The Los Angeles Dodgers Used Analytics To Become MLB's Most Feared Team

Huddle Up • 46 implied HN points • 01 Nov 24
🎾 Sports Team Dynamics
  1. The Dodgers became very successful by investing a lot in analytics over ten years. This helped them make smart decisions that improved their performance.
  2. Their analytics-driven approach changed the team's fortune, turning them into MLB's second-most valuable team. It shows how important data can be in sports.
  3. Winning two World Series Championships in four years highlights the effectiveness of their strategies. It's a great example of how teamwork and strategy can lead to big successes.

Issue #18 – Organisational Structures for Today's Data Realities

The Data Ecosystem • 1 HN point • 11 Aug 24
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Organizing data teams is tricky because they need to work with different departments. Companies often struggle to define who owns data responsibilities since data is needed everywhere.
  2. Data roles are changing fast, making it hard for teams to have clear structures. As new roles appear, it can get confusing to know where everyone should fit within the team.
  3. Choosing the right structure for data teams is important and should align with a company's goals. There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, and each company needs to find what works best for them.

#2: Degrees of freedom

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 379 implied HN points • 13 Nov 19
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. To handle unexpected problems, a team needs the freedom to act. This freedom helps them adapt and respond to changing situations.
  2. Giving people freedom in their work can lead to mistakes, but it also allows for creative solutions. Balancing freedom and structure is important.
  3. Organizations that embrace both risks and uncertainties are often better at dealing with surprises. This means they can thrive even when things don’t go as planned.

Hard Goodbyes

davidj.substack • 143 implied HN points • 24 May 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Leaders may face difficult decisions when letting go of team members, even if it's the right thing to do.
  2. Communication and managing expectations are crucial in the process of letting go of team members.
  3. It is important to prioritize hiring the right people to avoid the challenging situation of having to let someone go.

Nugget interactions

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 18 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Team Dynamics
  1. Team bonding is important for a positive work environment. Everyone had fun during the lunch meeting, showing that a high-performing team can still enjoy each other's company.
  2. Setting clear goals and planning tasks can increase productivity. One engineer felt proud to share that his work velocity improved when he had defined milestones.
  3. Ambition can be a double-edged sword in creative work. A local artist believes that staying present and less ambitious helps him create better art.

[tech] Team Topologies

Rahul’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 14 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. Team Topologies book focuses on organizing teams effectively to produce software.
  2. The book emphasizes the importance of team structure, communication, and reducing cognitive load.
  3. Key points include team design, interactions, and the impact of organizational structure on software architecture.

Is Your Team a Cost Centre Without Product Understanding?

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 19 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Product understanding is crucial for a strong team. A team without it may struggle to bring products to market efficiently.
  2. Ensuring a strong product culture is essential. It involves keeping the product team and founders aligned and integrated into the engineering process.
  3. Maintaining a balance between product and engineering value streams is key. This helps in avoiding a disconnect that can make a team function more as a cost center.

Answer three questions to make remote work productive for your company

Ruben Ugarte's Growth Needle™ • 19 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. It's important for companies to measure performance at individual, team, and organizational levels. This helps make sure everyone is contributing to their goals.
  2. Culture matters a lot in remote work. A strong culture can keep workers connected and motivated, even when they are not in the same physical space.
  3. Employee satisfaction is key. Happy employees are usually more productive, so companies should focus on what makes their workers feel valued and fulfilled.

Engineering Managers Influence Limiting Beliefs

🔮 Crafting Tech Teams • 19 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Engineering managers play a crucial role in addressing and overcoming limiting beliefs within their teams.
  2. It's important for managers to focus on inspiring and supporting their team members, rather than just the technical aspects of the work.
  3. Challenges like unsuccessful projects, financial setbacks, and technical debt are common in tech teams, but they can be opportunities for growth and improvement.

Meetings

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Meetings often lack a clear agenda and can derail into side discussions, making them less efficient. It's important to have a structured plan to keep everyone focused.
  2. Bringing together different team representatives in a meeting can be beneficial for making well-rounded decisions. However, managing all these perspectives can be challenging.
  3. Taking the time to communicate effectively and set clear expectations can help ensure that meetings achieve their goals without running over time.

Pivots Don't Need to be Stressful

Superfluid • 106 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Pivoting well is crucial for startup success
  2. Managing a startup involves monitoring key factors like people, market dynamics, product, go-to-market strategy, and business model
  3. Timing a pivot is essential for venture-backed startups to sustain momentum and consider profitability

👻 Fight 💥

Venture Prose • 219 implied HN points • 29 Apr 20
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. The importance of defending against disrespectful behavior and engaging in constructive conflicts to potentially change one's own perspective.
  2. Having a growth mindset involves welcoming different views and understanding others' feelings for fruitful discussions.
  3. Emphasizing positive honesty and the need for respectful engagement in discussions, negotiations, and conflicts.

Warriors Twitter Negative?

House of Strauss • 24 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Team Dynamics
  1. Some Warriors fans are being really critical on Twitter, even about big names like Steph Curry and coach Steve Kerr. This negativity seems to come from a mix of frustration as the team's success winds down.
  2. Fans often look back and criticize team decisions without understanding the context at the time. Many decisions had logical reasons behind them, and hindsight can be misleading.
  3. There's a sense that fans should trust the journalists who cover the team. These reporters have more access and knowledge about what’s really happening with the Warriors, so their insights can be valuable.

8 guaranteed ways to annoy your senior engineer

The Caring Techie Newsletter • 21 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. Always provide details when asking engineers to fix something. It saves everyone time if you describe what’s wrong and what you've tried.
  2. Avoid labeling everything as urgent. This makes it hard for engineers to prioritize and can lead to burnout.
  3. Be clear and prepared for meetings. Vague invites waste time and make it hard for engineers to focus on their work.

Sunday Letters - what, who, and why

Sunday Letters • 119 implied HN points • 03 Oct 21
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. The Sunday Letters started as updates to a team but evolved into discussions on broader themes like leadership and innovation.
  2. They serve as reflections and pieces of advice that the writer wishes he had known earlier in his career.
  3. Writing these letters regularly helps the author stay attentive to patterns in leadership and fosters good conversations around ideas.

Let's cut some cake

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 20 Mar 22
🚌 Education Team Dynamics
  1. To share something fairly, one person should cut it while the other picks their piece. This way, both care about fairness.
  2. In team discussions or disagreements, break down decisions into parts to find common ground and make it easier for everyone to agree.
  3. Using a math-based approach can help settle arguments quickly and fairly, showing that cooperation can work better than fighting.

Principles and discomfort

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 31 Jul 22
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. Companies should write down their principles, but they need to focus on real-life situations. It's important to consider what happens during conflicts or tight deadlines.
  2. It's good to prioritize principles so everyone knows what matters most. Listing trade-offs can help teams make better decisions when things get tough.
  3. Successful teams must design principles that reflect real choices and constraints. This way, they can handle stress better and understand what they truly value.

The Platinum Rule

Fish Food for Thought • 10 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  1. The Platinum Rule suggests treating people how they want to be treated, not just how you would want to be treated. This approach can help improve teamwork and morale in any organization.
  2. Understanding what motivates each team member is vital for their success. Everyone has different ways they like to receive feedback and support, so be sure to ask them what works best.
  3. Creating a culture that embraces individual differences leads to better performance and trust. When people feel understood and supported, they're more likely to do their best work.

How TPMs Lose Credibility and What to Avoid

Building Rome(s) • 20 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
💼 Business Team Dynamics
  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.

The Daily Scrum

Rethinking Software • 29 HN points • 25 Sep 24
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. Daily Scrum meetings can feel like micromanagement and add stress to developers. It often makes people feel pressured to justify their productivity.
  2. Development work is not always linear, and sometimes progress takes time. It’s okay if some days don’t yield immediate results.
  3. Scrum's requirement for daily check-ins suggests a lack of trust in developers. It would be better if teams could choose when and how to meet, respecting their autonomy.

Fear and metrics

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 30 May 22
🕹 Technology Team Dynamics
  1. Balancing short-term and long-term thinking is crucial for success. It's important to choose wisely between quick fixes and sustainable solutions.
  2. When measuring growth, it's easy to manipulate numbers to tell a comfortable story. Understanding both absolute growth and market share provides a clearer picture.
  3. Choosing comfort in metrics can lead to problems later, just like quick hacks can create tech debt. It's essential to prioritize long-term health over short-term ease.