Disclaimer: Adapted from various sources for educational purposes; does not reflect the views of this blog.

Several insights are drawn from Staff Engineer: Leadership beyond the management track. A good summary is available on this page. Also several good blogs mentioned here.

Communication in Engineering:

  • Modern engineering involves diverse communication methods: emails, workplace chat messages, documents, comments, PR reviews, meetings, and interviews.
  • Communication styles vary by company but generally aim for simplicity, directness, precision, efficiency, transparency, and professionalism. This can sometimes feel harsh and stressful.

Challenges and Trade-offs:

  • Every theory and solution has its limits and trade-offs.
  • You’ll encounter people who focus on trivial details or provide unhelpful feedback.
  • Remember that colleagues are people first and may have bad days.

Documentation:

  • Complaints about lack of documentation are common.
  • Documentation comes in many forms, including code, word of mouth, and digital tools.
  • Understanding documentation can be a difficult process.

Arguments and Evidence:

  • Avoid arguments without data or a compelling story.
  • Convincing others requires evidence or experience.

Office Politics:

  • At times, a point you raise may be dismissed, only to be accepted when presented by someone else due to their seniority, experience, or connections. This is known as office politics.
  • Avoid relying on political tactics to influence others when you have the power to do so, as it can backfire. Instead, try to persuade with evidence and technical reasoning.

Growth and Risk-taking:

  • Growth comes from taking risks and facing challenges.
  • Working for a big company reduces risk but also potential growth.
  • Making mistakes and solving problems are essential for development.

Management and Decision-making:

  • As you gain experience, you’ll take on more decision-making roles.
  • Avoid micromanagement and allow others to learn from mistakes.

Ownership and Collaboration:

  • Effective systems are often automated and self-service.
  • Strong ownership should not hinder knowledge sharing and collaboration.

Peer Reviews and Competition:

  • Peer reviews and collaboration are crucial, but colleagues are also competitors.
  • Balancing being non-threatening and useful to colleagues is a lifelong challenge.

Company Culture:

  • Companies may promote a family-like atmosphere, but the goal is to create value.
  • Personal success and well-being are important but serve the company’s interests.

Occupational Hazards:

  • Burnout, anxiety, and other mental health issues are common in the industry.
  • Legal protections vary, and some frameworks may not adequately protect employees.

Long-term Perspective:

  • Focus on the long game.
  • Health is your greatest asset, and time is your best ally for returns.