Category: Leadership
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CARE: A Leadership Lens
This is what I believe good leadership looks like. I use this lens in leadership roles and coaching tech leaders. Around 15 years ago, during a phone interview, I was asked: “What are your management strengths?” I replied, “I care.” The line went silent for ten seconds. The silence told me everything. Caring wasn’t a…
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52 Weeks. 52 Questions.
52 weeks. 52 questions. That was a challenge I set myself. For the past year, I’ve posted a response to a question on LinkedIn each week. Together they’re basically a year of what Engineering Managers actually struggle with. From delegation to decision-making. Team culture to career goals. Stakeholder pressure to recognition. And much more! It’s…
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Becoming a great EM can’t be rushed
A big part of being an EM is making judgement calls. Each day is a balancing act making trade-offs. But nobody tells you being an EM means living in the grey. It’s not always a comfortable place. Two right answers are fighting each other. You know the feeling. Trying not to pick the wrong option.…
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Leadership lessons from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse
The book The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse has many great lessons for leaders. Asking for help “What is the bravest thing you’ve ever said?” asked the boy.“Help.” said the horse.“When have you been at your strongest? asked the boy.“When I have dared to show my weakness.”“Asking for help isn’t giving up.”…
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When the unexpected happens…
…is it time to panic? Like losing your job after only 10-weeks, as it recently happened to me! Panic certainly feels natural as the many thoughts and emotions cloud any clear thinking I should be doing. Emotions can easily get the better of us but they rarely help the situation. So, I decided to have…
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Leadership Meetup talk – Create the recognition your teams deserve
I had the opportunity to speak at the Engineering Leadership Meetup on 22nd May. Below are my notes from the talk. My talk was titled – Create the recognition your teams deserve. I’m certainly no expert on recognition but I do have a passion for building healthy tech cultures and I believe good recognition is…
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Creating an Engineering Career Framework
A good career framework has many benefits for an Engineering team. It provides engineers clarity and visibility on the expectations of their and other roles. Frameworks are also for managers to as a guide for career conversations with their teams. Putting a framework together is not something you want to rush but, equally so, it…
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LeadDev Meetup talk – Turn leadership mistakes into a better future
I had the pleasure of speaking at the relaunch of LeadDev’s London Meetups on 11th April. Below are my notes from the talk. There’s no video recording of the evening. My talk was titled – Turn leadership mistakes into a better future. Leadership mistakes can be more visible and potentially have a big impact. They…
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Be creative with recognition
Getting recognition for some good work you’ve done can make your day, even your week! It gives you extra energy and shows your work is valued. Yet, with so many positives it’s difficult to get right and too many times overlooked. However, by getting your creative juices flowing, you can create recognition that is not…