Short essays on the human side of software: interviews, leadership, wellbeing, and the habits that shape great teams.
Ask most people what a coach does and they’ll describe something close to advice-giving: a more experienced person telling a less experienced one what to do. That’s not quite it, and the difference matters. A coach’s job isn’t to hand you answers. It’s to help you find your own — ones that actually fit your […]
I’ve been managing engineers for over twenty years, which mostly means I’ve had twenty years to get things wrong and occasionally learn from it. Along the way I’ve collected a short list of things managers should do, a longer list of things they shouldn’t, and one piece of advice that underpins the lot. Let’s start […]
Nearly all interview questions have a hidden meaning. Figuring out what they really want to know is paramount to interview success.
How to ensure you don’t lose your new hire before day one!
Apathy, lethargy, mild below-the-surface irritation (anger?), lack of focus… I’m not entirely sure what’s brought me down today, maybe I’m a little tired (not been sleeping well)? The pressures of work? The shitty weather preventing most of my decompression activities? The complicated family life? Car problems I can’t afford to fix? My ever-expanding waistline? Probably […]
Do you really want new hires to fit into your culture? Or add to it?
Are you truly adding value by serving your team? Or are you getting in the way?
Want to differentiate your perks/benefits package? Show your potential recruits that you value their wellbeing in a meaningful way!
I’m not trying to change the whole world. But if I can make a difference in your corner of it, that’s a win.
Word are powerful. Choose yours carefully!
aka the Lion and the Mouse: Even if your opinion is the strongest in the room, it’s the least important if people don’t feel empowered to speak up.
Everyone you work with is a person with a rich, complex life. Not a mindless automaton.
I recently took part in a survey of 100+ software engineers, hoping to put together a descriptive definition of a culture that could be shared with potential recruits, and built upon.
If something here resonated, I'd love to hear about the challenge you're navigating.
