Engineering Leadership Playbook
The transition from IC to engineering leader. 1:1s, delegation, hiring, conflict, and the human side of management.
7 articles
From IC to Engineering Manager: First 90 Days
Your first 90 days as an engineering manager: what to do, what to avoid, and how to set yourself and your team up for success.
Delegation for Engineering Managers: What to Let Go First
Practical delegation for engineering managers: what to delegate first, how to hand off without micromanaging, and when to step back in.
How to Run Effective Engineering 1:1s (Agenda, Frequency, Outcomes)
A practical guide to engineering 1:1s: how often to run them, what to put on the agenda, and how to turn conversations into clear outcomes and trust.
Handling Conflict in Engineering Teams
Conflict in engineering teams is normal. How to address it early, facilitate constructive disagreement, and when to escalate.
How to Say No (and Yes) as an Engineering Leader
Saying no is part of the job. How to say no clearly and respectfully, when to say yes, and how to offer alternatives that protect your team.
How to Hire and Retain Senior Engineers
Practical advice on hiring senior engineers and keeping them: what to look for, how to sell the role, and what actually drives retention.
The Engineering Manager Role Is Mutating
The job I signed up for a few years ago doesn't look like the job I'm doing now. I'm not sure anyone's updated the description.