EASIEST SPEAKING TIP EVER

C'mon. Just talk into the mic. It's not that hard. You may not WANT to do public speaking, but there are certain times in life where ...

Jun 2, 2023

Develop Yourself Podcast, Episode 70: From Software Engineer to Successful Startup Founder

Recording of my appearance on the Develop Yourself podcast with Aaron Hayslip. We cover a lot of ground as we talk about my path...

May 25, 2023

Play The Armageddon Game Before It's Too Late

The Armageddon Game is a tool to help you unlock the best while you prepare for the worst. I've used it a few times in my career, ...

May 24, 2023

Dev Team is Too Fast?

Dev team surprising you with unanticipated releases? Try these 3 things to get fully aligned.

May 22, 2023

FIX Your Product Roadmap in 4 Steps

More than likely, your roadmap reads like a schedule of disappointments. Here are 4 things you should do to revolutionize your ...

May 12, 2023

Dev Culture Chaos: How to Fix it

Diverse teams need some common ground to operate effectively. Establish principles -- shared beliefs -- to build cultural alignment ...

May 10, 2023

STOP Building Your Product

If you're looking for PMF, please spend time thinking about the M, not just the P. Develop a target persona! #software ...

May 2, 2023

DISAGREE WITH ME

I love it when I see people on my team exhibit this skill. #software #engineering #dev #management #leadership If you're in a ...

May 1, 2023

Introducing Alby, a Hack Night Passion Project

One of my latest mini-dev projects is a single-page webapp called Alby. Alby gave me a chance to play with the OpenAI API AND to scratch a personal itch.

Apr 27, 2023

CTO vs VP of Engineering: Which Path is Right for You?

For those of us on the Engineering Leadership path, it's often unclear what to expect from people with these titles. I've tried to ...

Apr 26, 2023

Superstar or severance? YOUR CHOICE.

Netflix famously pays its employees "Personal Top of Market" -- effectively the maximum salary they could get from any other ...

Apr 24, 2023

Pop Quiz: Expand the Tech Stack?

Your tech lead wants to use a new language and framework for the next project, a change that introduces notable risks.

Apr 20, 2023

TikTok-flavored EMAIL

Learn how to make your internal company emails engaging and easy to read with TikTok-inspired techniques. Say goodbye to ...

Apr 18, 2023

Pop Quiz: A Disagreement Turns Nasty

Your tech lead lets loose in a team meeting. What do you do?

Apr 14, 2023

Management Secret for 5x Team Performance

I can't stop thinking about this quote from Multipliers (Wiseman). Simple and powerful...

Apr 12, 2023

After the Axe Falls: Layoff Leadership

In this video, we explore how leaders can step up and lead in the aftermath of a traumatic event such as layoffs. We provide three ...

Apr 7, 2023

DITCH the Daily Standup. Instead, #focus.

If you're part of your organization's leadership team, it can be tough to keep abreast of everything happening within your org.

Mar 29, 2023

Pop Quiz: Promotion during a Financial Crunch?

One of your star engineers is due for a promotion, but the company has been hit by hard times. What do you do?

Mar 26, 2023

Ultimate Shortcut for Engineering Managers

What does an Engineering Manager actually do? In this video, I distill decades of experience into a 7-minute shortcut to help new ...

Mar 19, 2023

The Blueprint for Success: Start from the Finish Line

Discover the power of working backwards for your company, career, and life. In this video, learn how to start with the end in mind ...

Feb 2, 2023

The Secret to Making Your Software Stand Out: Magic Moments

Deliver a "magic moment" in your product by going beyond a minimum viable product to a delightful one that delivers a brief spark ...

Jan 31, 2023

Manage Your Time Like a Pro: The Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand Approach

The "Rocks, Pebbles, and Sand" model is a powerful tool for managing time and prioritizing tasks. By focusing on the most ...

Jan 30, 2023

Debate SOLVED: Should Engineering Managers Write Code?

Is it important for engineering managers to code? In this video, we explore the pros and cons of engineering managers coding ...

Jan 29, 2023

The 5 Things You Need to Be a Great Leader

You want to be a great leader in your organization? Do these 5 key things consistently.

Dec 21, 2022

ACCELERATE Your Dev Team With This One EASY Practice

Engineering Managers have a responsibility to DELIVER SOFTWARE. "Feature Flagging" is a practice that allows dev teams to ...

Dec 13, 2022

TOXIC employee

Managers: if you find toxicity in your team, take action! #management #startup #toxic #leadership #morale #culture.

Dec 5, 2022

Oh, you're threatening to quit?

Yeah, it's probably best for both of us. #management #toxic #employee #byebye #letsgo.

Dec 3, 2022

"Meets Expectations"

Like clockwork. I'm at least getting a raise, right? #engineering #management #leadership #work #review.

Dec 2, 2022

What you should expect from a Product Manager

In my experience, the role of a Product Manager is a critical one when building great software; a good PM will work in tandem with ...

Dec 1, 2022

Using Guilds in a Software Engineering Org

My team used the concept of Guilds to share best practices, discuss new technologies, and establish standards. Gathering similar ...

Nov 30, 2022

Software Engineering Principles, Priorities, and Practices

To take on your Software Engineering Manager responsibilities, you need to establish your principles, determine your priorities, ...

Nov 28, 2022

Stuck on a problem? Do this.

It works. Every. Single. Time. #engineering #software #developer #coder #stuck #problem.

Nov 26, 2022

Beta

Thank you. #management #leadership #alpha #beta #career #guidance #advice #kindness.

Nov 25, 2022

How to Land Exceptional Candidates

You want to land a dev candidate who's in high demand. How do you stand out? I hope this helps. Good luck! #engineering ...

Nov 24, 2022

Top 5 Things That Suck as a Dev Manager

Here are 5 downsides if you're considering a career as a dev manager. #engineering #management #leadership #techtok ...

Nov 23, 2022

Hack Night

Get comfortable, get caffeinated, get creative, and get cracking. Hack night! #engineering #coder #hustlewithbl #management ...

Nov 22, 2022

Attracting Talent as a Dev Manager

Here are 4 ways for dev managers to attract talent themselves. #engineering #management #leadership #startup #techtok.

Nov 21, 2022

Think Like a Leader

Leading is just showing the way. #engineering #management #leadership #techtok #startup.

Nov 20, 2022

To Be Successful

I've seen too many examples lately of people who believe the opposite. If you think you have to be a jerk, you're wrong.

Nov 19, 2022

Engineering Manager Pop Quiz #5: What Would You Do?

You've got a team member who's not delivering...and maybe not even really working.

Nov 1, 2022

A Channel for Software Engineering Leaders and Entrepreneurs

Hi! I'm Brian Dainton, and this is my YouTube channel trailer! THIS is a CHANNEL for SOFTWARE ENGINEERING LEADERS and ...

Oct 25, 2022

11 Things you NEED to do as an Engineering Manager

What does an Engineering Manager ACTUALLY do? Regardless of your seniority, you've got the same key responsibilities as an ...

Oct 21, 2022

START Being a GREAT Engineering Manager

This video introduces The Machine, a framework for leading teams, and the foundation of the Engineering Manager's Companion ...

Oct 21, 2022

Drunk Web Podcast, Episode 45: Engineering Management

Recording of my appearance on the Drunk Web Podcast with Sina Jazayeri. We virtually shared some drinks and discussed the complexities of Engineering Management...

Jul 15, 2022

Stay as a Senior Engineer or Pursue a Leadership Role?

In response to a fellow engineer's question, I offer five reasons I hope she'll take the leap into management and leadership.

Apr 29, 2022

Do you have imposter syndrome? It's ok.

Work and life are riddled with overwhelming experiences. It's ok. No one expects you to have all the answers. Here's some ...

Apr 21, 2022

The Most Memorable Advice I Ever Received: Re-Introducing Yourself

I've heeded this advice countless times since I got it back in college. It's a tiny change, but has a huge impact.

Apr 1, 2022

College Degree for Software Developers?

After interviewing hundreds of software engineers over the last 2 decades, I've determined that lived experience far outweighs the ...

Apr 1, 2022

4 Tips for a Great Power Nap

After a productive morning of work, I'll frequently take a quick siesta (power nap!) to recharge in the afternoon. What tips do YOU ...

Apr 1, 2022

Steal these Awards to Build a Great Team Culture

These quarterly awards -- and our approach to running them -- were representative of our incredible organizational culture.

Mar 24, 2022

Hiring Rock Stars and Ninjas?

This is a just a quick Public Service Announcement for those of you who are hiring "rock stars" and "ninjas".

Mar 23, 2022

Run Better Standups

I don't love traditional, by-the-book standup meetings. Here's how I run them instead. Give it a go?

Mar 14, 2022

How to Fix All Your Meetings

If you run meetings, listen up and heed this advice. With just a couple of small tweaks, you can make meetings far more effective ...

Mar 14, 2022

Engineering Manager Pop Quiz #4: What Would You Do?

Your star employee just gave their notice. Ugh. How do you handle their resignation?

Mar 10, 2022

Join These Leadership Communities

When you're a manager or leader, you will encounter difficult situations constantly. Need help? Turn to these 3 leadership ...

Mar 10, 2022

30-Second Startup Story #2

I've started several tech companies, one of which saw some notable success. Here's a story from that startup experience: The One ...

Mar 4, 2022

Praise in Public, Criticize in Private

If you're an engineering manager, you're responsible for guiding the careers of others. You'll have to deliver both praise and ...

Mar 4, 2022

When Should You Split Your Dev Team?

Over time, your software engineering team will grow. When is the right time to split into multiple teams?

Mar 4, 2022

Break This Habit When Communicating Software Architecture

Don't try to blow me away with your technical architecture. It's not working.

Mar 3, 2022

Improve Morale on Your Dev Team

When you're a software engineer, you hear bad news all the time (alerts, bug reports, disappointed internal teams). Does it ever ...

Mar 3, 2022

Got a Toxic Employee?

Managers: if you find toxicity in your team, take action!

Mar 2, 2022

Start a Business, Step by Step

If you're considering starting a business but you're not sure how to get started, I've got a great book to recommend. RELATED ...

Mar 2, 2022

Engineering Manager Pop Quiz #3: What Would You Do?

Should Luke get the promotion? What do you do as an engineering manager when a more junior developer seeks a promotion ...

Mar 2, 2022

Don't just motivate. INSPIRE.

It's easy to confuse motivation and inspiration. As an engineering manager and leader, it's important to know the difference, and ...

Mar 1, 2022

Software Development Project Planning Tips

Are you an Engineering Manager who struggles with your dev team's project planning? Here are some quick thoughts on how to ...

Mar 1, 2022

The 3.5 Things to Consider When Picking Technologies

If you're a software engineering leader, you're gonna have to make technology choices. Here are 3 key things to consider and 1 ...

Feb 28, 2022

How to Communicate Effectively as a Leader

Just because you SAID it does not mean that you COMMUNICATED it. Speaking and email-sending are only half the story!

Feb 28, 2022

How to Run Great 1-on-1s

If you're an Engineering Manager, running frequent, meaningful is arguably the most important thing you can do. After 25 years in ...

Feb 25, 2022

Tell someone today...

Everyone likes to feel appreciated now and again. #leadership #gratitude #appreciation #thanks #relationships.

Feb 25, 2022

Software Engineer Today, Priest Tomorrow?

I once had a veteran software engineer who knew that, ultimately, he wanted to join the clergy. Here's how we used his 1-on-1s to ...

Feb 25, 2022

The Secret to Constant Dev Team Innovation

As a company matures, it can be tough to balance building new features and maintaining the product capabilities you've already ...

Feb 22, 2022

Should I Leave My Job? | Make the Leap

Do you already have a job you like BUT you have a new job opportunity to consider? Worried about leaving your current team ...

Feb 22, 2022

Build an Engineering Career Ladder?

Establishing a documented career ladder for the software developers on your team is one of most important things you'll do as an ...

Feb 21, 2022

Engineering Manager Pop Quiz #2: What Would You Do?

What do you do as an engineering manager when you're at risk of missing a deadline? You have some options!

Feb 21, 2022

Best Size for a Dev Team?

I'm a huge fan of small, tightly-knit powerhouse teams that are structured this way. They can move mountains.

Feb 19, 2022

Too Many Work Meetings?

As a company gets larger and you rise through its ranks, you may find yourself in back-to-back meetings, all day long. Use this ...

Feb 19, 2022

One Simple Trick to Get Motivated and Feel Accomplished

Set the bar low each day, and raise it as you build solid habits.

Feb 18, 2022

One Simple Tip to Attract Software Developers

If you're an engineering manager, you'll have to write a job shortDescription to attract software engineers to your team. Make this one ...

Feb 18, 2022

Fun Events for Software Engineers

We can do a lot better than a group trip to a bar. Software developers are a naturally creative group of problem solvers. Tap into ...

Feb 17, 2022

Company is a Chaotic Mess: Should You Leave?

You're a tech lead (software developer) in a disorganized company that is rife with chaos. Should you resign? As always, it ...

Feb 17, 2022

30-Second Startup Story #1 | Startup Stories

I've started several tech companies, one of which saw some notable success. Here's a story from that startup experience: The One ...

Feb 16, 2022

Bad Manager or Bad Person? There's a Difference.

No doubt, bad managers abound, but management failings can be fixed. By contrast, beware people with deep-seeded toxic ...

Feb 16, 2022

VENTING FRUSTRATIONS in your 1-on-1s?

As an Engineering Manager, your 1-on-1s are your MOST important meetings. It's important to give space for venting frustrations, ...

Feb 15, 2022

7 Keys to Build a Great Company Culture

You're founding a business? Build a strong, well-loved company by being intentional about its culture.

Feb 15, 2022

Long Live the Feedback Sandwich | Interrupting Direct Report Followup

Delivering feedback in a positive - constructive - positive format is dead? Nah, you're just doing it wrong. You can be direct AND ...

Feb 12, 2022

Direct Report CONSTANTLY Interrupting? | Delivering Feedback as a Manager

How do you handle a direct report who interrupts you frequently? Great question! It's time to deliver some constructive feedback.

Feb 10, 2022

Start your business SOLO or with CO-FOUNDERS?

Congrats! You're motivated to start a business. Should you go it alone or join with some co-founders? Here are the pros and cons ...

Feb 10, 2022

3 Key Dev Team Metrics

Wondering what are the best metrics to track for your engineering team? Don't get bogged down by tracking too many. Make sure ...

Feb 10, 2022

Be Bold With Your Backlog

You know that long list of bugs that you never seem to get to? That's the backlog. Sure, you can let it grow forever, but that has a ...

Feb 9, 2022

Best Way to Structure Your Dev Team? | Introducing DEPOT

I've long been a firm believer that the best products are built by combining Design, Engineering, and Product Management ...

Feb 9, 2022

Engineering Manager Pop Quiz #1: What Would You Do?

What do you do as an engineering manager when there's tension brewing between junior and senior engineers?

Feb 8, 2022

The Magic Number is 7

Wondering why your team is not listening to you? Well...they might be listening, but people need to see or hear you SEVEN TIMES ...

Feb 7, 2022

Interview Tips | The Best End-of-Interview Question

Unsure how to end an interview with a candidate? After many hundreds of interviews, here's my favorite final question to wrap ...

Feb 7, 2022

Interview Tips | One Great Question for Senior Management Hires

Are you unsure how to interview a manager or someone at an executive level? After conducting hundreds of such interviews, ...

Feb 6, 2022

Hesitant to Start a Side Hustle Business? | 4 Tips for Startup Success

Are you always on the fence about starting a business because of the risk of failure? Here are 4 tips you can use to increase your ...

Feb 6, 2022

Meet Emmy | Startup Stories from an Engineering Leader

This is the story of how our little company won this big Technical Emmy Award. #startup #business #tech #socialmedia #emmy #tv ...

Feb 5, 2022

To Be a Great Engineering Manager, Be Boring

To be a great software engineering manager and leader, you should strive to build a BORING organization, one that never ...

Feb 3, 2022