Explore every episode of the podcast Tactics for Tech Leadership (TTL)

In perhaps the final episode of The TTL Podcast, Andy and Mon-Chaio reflect back on their journey, relive favorite episodes, and ponder what the future might hold, for each of them individually as well as the podcast.

 In this episode of the Tactics for Tech Leadership Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss common questions that CFOs, CEOs, and other stakeholders should pose to the technical leaders within their organizations. Based on a blog post from payslip.com, the discussion focuses on how CFOs can inquire about tech investments' cost efficiency, agility, flexibility, and security. The conversation emphasizes developing thoughtful questioning processes and the importance of mutual understanding between roles.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/06/10/s3e20-beyond-the-code-your-tech-the-bottom-line/

References

• Tech Questions a CFO Should Be Asking - https://payslip.com/resources/blog/tech-questions-a-cfo-should-be-asking/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss the future of their podcast as they prepare for significant changes in their professional lives. They explore various ideas for continuing the podcast, including changing the format, inviting guests, or even pausing it. They use the 'Six Thinking Hats' technique to brainstorm and evaluate these options, aiming to find the best path forward.

 A vacationcast where Andy ruminates on  AI coding assistants. He draws on an article re wrote in 2007 on autonomic computing. Emphasis is placed on the essential roles and responsibilities of software engineers, differentiating them from AI systems. Andy shares personal experiences and observations of using tools like AI coding assistants, highlighting potential pitfalls and benefits. He concludes with some thoughts on a possibly useful pattern to follow when working with the assistants that keeps the software engineer responsible for the engineering.

References

• Autonomic Computing - https://zaphod42.livejournal.com/45717.html

 In this episode of The Tactics for Tech Leadership Podcast, the hosts discuss personal computer issues (and a missing episode!) before diving into the main topic: the continued search for a system. They review the DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) model, its methodology, and its continuous improvement efforts. Comparing it to other models like CMM and TSP, they conclude that DORA provides a more comprehensive and scientifically-backed system for understanding and improving organizational performance. The hosts also explore DORA's latest insights, including the impact of AI on software delivery, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and mindful interventions based on DORA's findings. The episode provides actionable advice on leveraging DORA's research for tech leadership and maintaining organizational health.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/05/20/s3e17-systematic-insights-doras-role-in-diagnosing/

References

• The Role of Continuous Delivery in IT and Organizational Performance - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302567338_THE_ROLE_OF_CONTINUOUS_DELIVERY_IN_IT_AND_ORGANIZATIONAL_PERFORMANCE
• DORA Research publications - https://dora.dev/research/

With Andy away, Mon-Chaio dives into the topic of what it means to be a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in today's diverse tech landscape. Inspired by a recent conversation with a venture capitalist, Mon-Chaio reflects on the wide range of skills and experiences that different CTOs bring to the table. He discusses the various types of CTOs, from deeply technical experts to those who primarily manage vendor relationships. This episode questions how well communities designed for CTO networking really serve their members given their vastly different roles and day-to-day tasks. Don’t miss this reflective and thought-provoking episode.

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and its implications for software development organizations. They explore why CMM was chosen for this episode and its connection to previous topics such as the Team Software Process. The conversation delves into the maturity levels defined by CMMI, from 'incomplete' to 'optimizing,' and explores whether the lack of a 'why' behind processes affects the model's utility. The discussion detours into how modern tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Copilot can impact software development, highlighting both their benefits and limitations. It ends with reflections on continuous improvement and how organizations can leverage CMM and LLMs for better outcomes.

References

• Capability Maturity Model for Software, Version 1.1
• Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI), Version 1.1
• The Capability Im-Maturity Model (CIMM)

 In this special 'vacation cast' episode, Andy shares an important announcement.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/21/s3e15-vacationcast-an-announcement/

Andy and Mon-Chaio continue their journey into organizational models by discussing the Team Software Process (TSP). They touch briefly on the origins and history of TSP, its relationship with the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) from Carnegie Mellon, and how it helps teams organize their software development processes. The discussion takes a turn to the philisophical as they explore the empirical nature of TSP, its focus on measurement, and the importance of data-driven decisions. They also debate whether TSP qualifies as a true system of knowledge. By the end, listeners will gain insights into the practical applications of TSP and why it might prompt them to re-evaluate their own measurement practices.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/15/s3e14-does-the-empiricism-of-tsp-provide-a-path-forward/

References

• The Team Software Process - https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/documents/645/2000_005_001_13754.pdf
• Using TSP Data to Evaluate Your Project Performance - https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA537112.pdf
• Rationalism vs. Empiricism - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rationalism-empiricism/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive into the intriguing concept of 'Alien Chess' and its relation to leadership and organizational diagnosis. They reflect on its connection with the four spheres of knowledge discussed in the previous episode and critically analyze its validity as a system within organizations. They draw parallels from the Cynefin framework, extreme programming, and real-world applications, debating whether alien chess is a useful model or leads to high-functioning, learned helplessness. Join the discussion on the balance between strategic planning and adaptable responses in leadership and technology sectors.

References

• The Resilience of Alien Chess
• Cynefin framework
• The Parable of Alien Chess

 In this episode of Tactics for Tech Leadership, Andy and Mon-Chaio dive into the discipline of organizational diagnosis through the lens of the paper 'Organizational Diagnosis: an Evidence-Based Approach' by McFillen, Balzer, Varney, and O'Neil. They discuss the need for a rigorous approach to diagnosis in organizational design and change. The focus is on understanding the four spheres of knowledge: standards, solutions, symptoms, and systems. These spheres provide a structured approach to making evidence-based diagnoses. The hosts emphasize the importance of coherence in systems and how teams can implement this structured thinking into their practices to ensure organizational health. The conversation provides insights and actionable advice for technical leaders aiming to improve their diagnostic practices and organizational change efforts.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/01/s3e12-the-4-spheres-of-knowledge-for-diagnosis/

References

• Organizational Diagnosis: An Evidence-based Approach - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239796277_Organizational_Diagnosis_An_Evidence-based_Approach
• The history of the theory of the circulation of the blood - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3233/CH-168031

In this episode of The TTL Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive deep into the world of employee surveys. They discuss whether these surveys truly work, their best practices, and the research behind them. Exploring the role of culture in company performance, they uncover the nuances of implementing and interpreting surveys. The episode provides actionable insights for leaders aiming to diagnose and improve their organizational culture.

References

• Measuring employee engagement and interpreting survey results
• Employee Survey Research: A Critical Review of Theory and Practice
• Diagnosing organizational cultures: A conceptual and empirical review of culture effectiveness surveys
• Following Up on Employee Surveys: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review

 In this Tactics for Tech Leadership podcast episode, Andy and Mon-Chaio explore SWIFT (Structured What If Technique). While traditionally seen as a technical tool for failure analysis, the hosts consider its potential applications in leadership and organizational contexts. Listeners will learn how SWIFT can help anticipate system failures even before they occur, from technical systems like Redis caches to social-technical systems like performance reviews and hiring processes. By the end, you'll understand how to adapt this structured method for diagnosing issues and improving both technical and organizational systems.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/03/18/s3e10-swiftly-understanding-failure-modes/

References

• SWIFT - https://www.asems.mod.uk/toolkit/swift

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve deep into the nuances of accountability at high organizational levels, particularly within the C-suite. They explore the challenges of holding executives accountable for outcomes, especially when their roles and processes are not fully understood by their peers. The conversation includes discussions on the differences between process and outcome accountability and how each can be applied depending on the context. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of team cohesion, shared goals, and trust in building a high-performance, accountable organization.

References

• Radical Candor
• We Hold Ourselves Accountable: A Relational View of Team Accountability
• The Best Teams Hold Themselves Accountable
• The Effect of Outcome vs. Process Accountability-Focus on Performance: A Meta-Analysis
• Accountability Systems and Group Norms: Balancing the Risks of Mindless Conformity and Reckless Deviation

 Andy and Mon-Chaio explore Patrick Lencioni's concept of the five dysfunctions of a team, discussing how absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results interrelate to impact team performance. They reflect on their own experiences and the importance of productive conflict, peer accountability, and commitment to collective success. Listeners will learn how examining organizational structure and culture can address these dysfunctions and improve team dynamics. Andy and Mon-Chaio also stumble upon the topic for the next episode on holding individuals accountable in areas outside one’s expertise.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/03/04/s3e8-5-dysfunctions-of-a-team/

References:

• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team PDF resource - https://files.tablegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/11224029/FiveDysfunctions.pdf
• 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Dysfunctions_of_a_Team
• Team Effectiveness: A Validation Study of Lencioni's Five Functions of a Team - https://lib.manaraa.com/books/A%20validation%20study%20of%20Lencioni's%20five%20functions%20of%20a%20team.pdf

In this week's episode of The TTL Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve into Ron Westrom's influential paper, "A Typology of Organizational Cultures." The hosts unpack the compelling insights and frameworks posited by Westrom, which categorize organizational cultures into Pathological, Bureaucratic, and Generative types. Mon-Chaio and Andy also share personal anecdotes and practical examples, such as dealing with software bugs, to illustrate the distinctions between local fix and inquiry-based approaches. They highlight the critical role of leadership and the importance of having a curious and improvement-focused mindset.

References

• A typology of organisational cultures
• Accelerate
• S1E14: The Undeserved Malignment of Bureaucracy
• Culture Series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

Andy and Mon-Chaio explore Marvin Weisbord's Six Box Model, a framework from the 1970s for diagnosing organizational issues. They explain each of the six parts of the model: purpose, structure, relationships, rewards, leadership, and helpful mechanisms, and then illustrate it being used to assess an example software development company. Listeners will learn how to guide investigation into a situation using the model and the advantages they get from it over just winging it.

Transcript - https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/02/18/s3e6-6-box-model/

References

• Organizational Diagnosis: Six Places To Look for Trouble With or Without a Theory - https://leeds-faculty.colorado.edu/Rosse/Courses/4003/Readings/Weisbord.pdf
• Analysing a team situation using BART - https://open.spotify.com/episode/0ccnbKOCrt1mpw8LRgbdJz?si=91df18bddf3b43c8

In this first VacationCast episode of Season 3, with Andy out, Mon-Chaio dives into the complexities of mentorship, particularly within workplace relationships. He explores the differences between peer-to-peer mentoring and manager-direct report mentoring, the potential pitfalls of using the term 'mentorship' for career development or performance feedback, and the impact of these practices on genuine employee growth and leadership development.

References

• Season 1, Episode 13: "The Feedback Fallacy?"
• Season 2, Episode 41: "Improvement Beyond Podcasts - The Art of Deliberate Practice"
• Season 2, Episode 16: "Misleader Majority"

Andy and Mon-Chaio explore the dense yet insightful book 'Action Science' by Chris Argyris. They discuss Argyris's method of developing self-knowledge to break existing norms and achieve actionable knowledge. The conversation covers the core principles and propositions of action science, including the importance of understanding one's reasoning, questioning underlying assumptions, and fostering mutual learning. Tune in to discover how self-awareness can transform not just individuals but entire organizations.

Transcript - https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/02/04/s3e4-action-science/

References

• Action Science - https://actiondesign.com/resources/readings/action-science
• The School of Life - https://www.theschooloflife.com/
• Episode on Future Search - https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/01/28/s3e3-future-search/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve into the concept of Future Search, a powerful methodology for driving organizational change. They discuss the essence of Future Search, its origins from Marvin Weisbord’s book 'Productive Workplaces Revisited,' and explore why it's crucial to involve the whole system in problem-solving. The episode provides insights into the past, present, and future focus essential in the Future Search method and offers actionable tactics for effective implementation in technical organizations.

References

• Productive Workplaces Revisited

 In this episode, Andy and Mon Chiao explore differential diagnosis. They clarify what differential diagnosis truly entails and how it can be applied in technical settings, particularly within software teams. The hosts illustrate its importance through real-world scenarios, emphasizing the balance between gathering information and taking corrective action, the consequences of different types of misdiagnoses, and the significance of judgment in the problem-solving process. Listeners will learn the surprising ways in which multiple causes can coexist and the implications for diagnosis and treatment within teams.

References

• MIT OpenCourseware Lecture - https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-s897-machine-learning-for-healthcare-spring-2019/resources/lecture-11-differential-diagnosis/
• Outlining the Design Space of Explainable Intelligent Systems for Medical Diagnosis - https://arxiv.org/pdf/1902.06019

In this first episode of Season 3, Mon-Chaio and Andy welcome listeners back and dive into the theme of 'The Turnaround'. They analyze reasons why startups fail, discussing both proximate and distal causes. They explore insights from multiple research reports, studies, and personal experiences to paint a comprehensive picture of startup failure scenarios. Topics include common failure reasons like running out of cash, flawed business models, wrong people, false starts, and external factors. Let them know your feedback about which topics you're are most interested in for future episodes!

References:

• Demography of Startup Software Companies: An Empirical Investigation on the Success and Failure
• Success criteria in high-tech new ventures
• The Top 12 Reasons Startups Fail
• 483 startup failure post-mortems
• Why Start-ups Fail
• A Study on High-tech Startup Failure
• Failure of Tech Startups: A Systematic Literature Review
• Systematic literature review of critical success factors of Information Technology startups
• Conventional Wisdom Says 90% of Startups Fail. Data Says Otherwise

 In this special end-of-year episode, Andy and Mon-Chaio reflect on the highlights and challenges of 2024, discussing their most memorable podcast episodes. As is tradition on the podcast, the Christmas episode is something different. Mon-Chaio and Andy explain their experiments with fermentation, sharing intriguing recipes and techniques involving shiokoji, hot sauce, and Christmas Kraut. Along the way, they reveal their cooking adventures and hint at exciting plans for the next year.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/12/24/s2e52-festive-ferments/

References

• Power of Repeat episode - https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/02/07/s2e6-the-power-of-repeat/
• Shiokoji - https://www.seriouseats.com/shio-koji-marinade-recipe
• Chrismas Kraut - https://www.thesimplethings.com/blog/christmas-kraut-recipe

This is the last episode in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.

In the final installment of 'Scaling Up: From Garage to Global,' Mon-Chaio and Andy dive deep into the complexities of integrating a newly acquired company into a well-established global brand. They discuss the challenges of balancing autonomy with necessary integration, especially when it comes to maintaining core cultural and strategic values. They also explore how to tackle hierarchical changes without disrupting existing processes and morale. Whether it's ensuring safety protocols or managing cross-cutting concerns, this episode offers valuable insights on scalable methods to blend new entities while preserving essential operational integrity. Tune in for a nuanced conversation on managing growth and organizational cohesion.

References

• The Trial of One-Five-Zero (The TTL Podcast S2E10)
• Aspect-oriented programming

This is the fourth in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.

Mon-Chaio and Andy advance into the next phase of scaling up a hypothetical ride-sharing company, exploring how it might transition to food delivery. They discuss the difference between Explore and Extract phases, emphasizing the need for continuous experimentation. The episode outlines structural changes, such as forming new, separate teams to drive innovation, while leveraging existing platforms. With practical insights for CTOs on managing KPIs and sustaining agile environments, listeners will discover the pitfalls of excessive funding and the importance of maintaining an experimental mindset. Tune in to learn how to balance execution with innovation and prepare for the final part on scaling through acquisitions.

Transcript:  ​https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/12/10/s2e49-scaling-up-from-garage-to-global-part-4-of-5/

 References

• Lean Enterprise - https://www.oreilly.com/library/view/lean-enterprise/9781491946527/
• Episode: Analysing a Situation Using BART - https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/tTJ5eUTl3Ob

This is the third in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy pick up from where they left off in part two, exploring the transition of a company post-Series B funding, now boasting around 100 engineers. The conversation covers the importance of structuring technical teams into key functional groups, facing new challenges such as competitors introducing new features and dealing with regulatory pressures. Our hosts discuss strategies for maintaining effective leadership and organizational structure during rapid growth, while navigating internal and external challenges.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/12/03/s2e48-scaling-up-from-garage-to-global-part-3-of-5/

References

• The Art of Action

This is the second in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.

 Andy and Mon-Chaio continue the discussion on scaling engineering teams, focusing on the transition from a small, scrappy startup to preparing for a Series-A funding round. They examine how to prioritize KPIs, organize teams for efficiency, and manage the growing complexities of a successful product. Along the way, they explore the balance between maintaining a small, nimble team and scaling up responsibly. Listeners will learn strategies for effective team formation, leadership, and how to navigate the challenges of expansion without sacrificing agility.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/11/26/s2e47-scaling-up-from-garage-to-global-part-2-of-5/

References

• Episode: Scaling Up: From Garage to Global (Part 1 of 5) - https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/11/19/s2e46-scaling-up-from-garage-to-global-part-1-of-5/
• Episode: The Why and How of Delegation - https://open.spotify.com/episode/7pVt7h9Bma046j3VhmXPo0

This is the first in a multi-part series that will explore the various stages of scaling a company using a hypothetical startup scenario inspired by ride-sharing services.

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss how to scale a tech startup from its inception stage. They reflect on past experiences, emphasizing the importance of validating market hypotheses before investing heavily in technology. Mon-Chaio and Andy guide listeners through early-stage startup strategies, including conducting market research, proving concepts with minimal tech investments, and maintaining operational efficiency.

References

• Lean Enterprise

 Andy and Mon-Chaio tackle the intriguing question: 'Are we friends?' in this episode of the TTL podcast. They explore the significance of workplace friendships, discussing how these relationships impact job satisfaction, organizational performance, and employee behavior. The hosts look into the role of physical proximity and shared experiences in fostering interdependence, and even touch on the potential challenges of managerial relationships with direct reports. Listeners will gain insights from research on the benefits and complexities of workplace friendships and may be surprised to learn about the nuanced effects of friendship on psychological safety and innovative behavior.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/11/10/sxey-2/

References

• Understanding Workplace Relationships - https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-031-16640-2
• Do we need friendship in the workplace? The effect on innovative behavior and mediating role of psychological safety - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12144-022-03949-4
• Relationally Charged: How and When Workplace Friendship Facilitates Employee Interpersonal Citizenship - https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00190/full

In this VacationCast episode, Mon-Chaio tackles a listener's question inspired by "Does Your Software Methodology Matter?" about effectively scaling an engineering organization to 120 engineers. Dispelling the notion that scaling is about simple multiplication, he delves into key tactics, including the creation of autonomous, accountable teams with independent KPIs, and the importance of technical strategy. He addresses the common pitfalls and misconceptions of scaling, emphasizing tailored processes and decision-making. Tune in for insights into building adaptable, sustainable engineering teams.

References:

• SAFe
• LeSS

In this engaging episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive deep into the topic of peer code reviews. They begin by providing historical context, tracing back code review practices to IBM's research in the 70s and 80s, and examine the efficacy of modern-day peer reviews. The hosts debate the true benefits of code reviews, discussing whether they genuinely enhance quality or merely serve as a process ritual. They also explore alternative methods like pair programming, and propose innovative ideas for improving peer review processes, such as detailed walkthroughs and code review checklists.

Listeners are encouraged to experiment with different tactics and to consider feedback on their own peer review approaches. Join Mon-Chaio and Andy as they navigate the intricacies of peer reviews and share actionable insights for refining this critical practice in software engineering organizations.

References

• Investigating the effectiveness of peer code review in distributed software development based on objective and subjective data
• Advances in Software Inspections
• The Impact of Design and Code Reviews on Software Quality: An Empirical Study Based on PSP Data
• An empirical study of the impact of modern code reviewpractices on software quality
• Evaluating Pair Programming with Respect to System Complexity and Programmer Expertise
• Are Two Heads Better than One? On the Effectiveness of Pair Programming
• From Async Code Reviews to Co-Creation Patterns

Andy and Mon-Chaio question the true impact of various software development methodologies on team performance. They look into whether the research gives any clues about how methodology choice affects team happiness, quality, and speed. The hosts critique the state of software engineering research, discuss effective team dynamics, and highlight the importance of adaptability and interdisciplinary research. Listeners will gain insights into the limitations of plan-driven approaches, the nuanced realities of how software teams work, and why understanding the 'why' behind practices is crucial. This episode offers an overview of the research into the effectiveness of different methodologies and practices.

References

• Pair Programming and Software Defects – a large, industrial case study: https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/6331491
• A family of experiments on test-driven development: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10664-020-09895-8
• Software Quality - Traditional vs. Agile: an Empirical Investigation: https://arxiv.org/abs/1610.08312
• A teamwork effectiveness model for agile software development: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10664-021-10115-0
• The effect of moving from a plan-driven to an incremental software development approach with agile practices: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10664-010-9136-6
• Do Agile scaling approaches make a difference? an empirical comparison of team effectiveness across popular scaling approaches: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10664-024-10481-5
• Meta-analysis for families of experiments in software engineering: a systematic review and reproducibility and validity assessment: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10664-019-09747-0

Andy and Mon-Chaio explore the concept of growth and improvement, focusing on technical leadership. They learn about deliberate practice and discuss its role in enhancing skills for leaders. Scrabble players help them identify practices that lead to skill improvements and contrasting methods that don't, such as casual reading or working. The discussion wanders to how these findings relate to NBA coaching and engineering leadership. By the end, listeners will understand why deliberate practice, reflection, and handling high-stakes situations are essential for leaders aiming to improve their skills.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/10/13/sxey-2/

References

• The impact of multiple measures of leader experience on leader effectiveness: New insights for leader selection - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0148296301003125
• Developing Strategic Leadership Competencies - https://joams.com/uploadfile/2014/1008/20141008051224975.pdf
• What Makes an Exemplary Engineering Leader? In the Words of Engineers - https://ojs.library.queensu.ca/index.php/PCEEA/article/download/15941/10441
• Given that the detailed original criteria for deliberate practice have not changed, could the understanding of this complex concept have improved over time? A response to Macnamara and Hambrick (2020) - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-020-01368-3
• Gender differences in SCRABBLE performance and associated engagement in purposeful practice activities - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00426-017-0905-3

What is technical strategy? Is it a document explaining how to extend your data platform? A set of wiki articles on how you're tackling technical debt? A forward-looking treatise on how you will integrate generative AI into your tech stack?

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive into the intricacies of creating a tech strategy for engineering leaders. They explore why having a guiding doctrine is crucial for decision-making processes in tech organizations. By discussing concepts like Wardley Mapping and the distinctions between strategy and operational effectiveness, they offer insight into establishing a unique value proposition, integrating choices across value chains, and maintaining a long-term strategy even amidst distractions.

Tune in to learn how to formulate a technical strategy that aligns with your business goals and propels your organization toward sustained success.

References

• The Role of the Chief Technology Officer in Strategic Innovation, Project Execution, and Mentoring
• Strategy: Creating and Sustaining Competitive Advantage
• Corporate Strategy: Past, Present, and Future
• Business Strategy and Organizational Performance
• Strategy Mapping with Simon Wardley - Define Tomorrow 2018
• Wardley Mapping Part 1: How and why to map your business

 Andy and Mon-Chaio challenge the traditional notions of root cause analysis and incident reviews within complex systems. They examine how the framing of ensuring errors 'never happen again' can be counterproductive, suggesting a shift towards faster recovery and continuous learning instead. Drawing parallels with After Action Reviews in the military and Netflix's Chaos Monkey, they advocate for embracing controlled chaos and fostering a culture of practice and micro-decisions. Listeners will gain insights into how technical errors and normative errors are perceived, and why focusing on organizational culture can be more effective than strict process adherence. By the end, listeners will understand the importance of balancing process with flexibility and why living at the edge of chaos is crucial for organizational resilience.

Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2024/09/29/s2e39-living-on-the-edge-of-chaos/

References

• Books by Sidney Dekker - https://sidneydekker.com/books/
• Chaos Monkey - https://netflix.github.io/chaosmonkey/
• Andy's talk "From Outage to Understanding" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5grWMM5nIC4

Morale: a topic that impacts every team. But how does morale influence organizational effectiveness? And what really makes a morale event impactful?

Through humorous banter and thoughtful discussion, Andy and Mon-Chaio offer actionable insights and challenge conventional wisdom. They share personal anecdotes, explore research-backed definitions, and tackle the complexities of boosting team morale effectively. Listen to their creative suggestions and real-world examples that might just redefine how you think about morale and team building.

References

• The Definition and Measurement of Employee Morale
• Morale: definitions, dimensions and measurement
• The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change

Is remote work a burnout trap or a path to freedom? There are good reasons to suspect that remote work may be highly correlated to increased burnout and many may be reinforced by our own experiences or that of our friends and colleagues. But is this hypothesis supported by research and, if so, what does it mean for designing human-centric remote work policies?

Join co-hosts Andy and Mon-Chaio as they delve into the complexities of remote work and burnout. They explore how personality traits influence burnout and tackle the paradox of designing work environments: less effective setups with low burnout versus highly effective, high-burnout environments. They also highlight the tricky balance between collaborative work in successful companies and the need for personal autonomy. Tune in to uncover insights and strategies for navigating these challenges in the remote work era.

References

• Stress in remote work: two studies testing the Demand-Control-Person model
• COVID-19 crisis and digital stressors at work: A longitudinal study on the Finnish working population
• Healthy, healthier, hybrid work: the burnout-reducing potential of remote work and the mediating effect of work autonomy
• Helping Remote Workers Avoid Loneliness and Burnout
• Doing more with less? Flexible working practices and the intensification of work
• A Systematic Review of How Remote Work Affects Workplace Stress and Mental Health
• Dynamic Silos: Increased Modularity in Intra-organizational Communication Networks during the Covid-19 Pandemic
• Teamwork in the time of COVID-19: Creating, dissolving, and reactivating network ties in response to a crisis.
• Challenges and barriers in virtual teams: a literature review

 In this episode of the TTL podcast, Andy and Mon-Chaio answer a listener's question regarding the Peter Principle and how to avoid its effects. They explore the origins of the Peter Principle from the 1969 book by Lawrence J. Peter and Raymond Hull, discussing its implications for organizational hierarchies. The hosts examine various examples and research findings that both support and challenge the existence of the Peter Principle, including a detailed look at a study on sales organizations. They also provide actionable insights for leaders on how to recognize the symptoms of this principle in themselves and their teams, and share practical strategies to ensure promotions are done thoughtfully. Listeners will learn a surprising method called 'Creative Incompetence' as a tactic to avoid being promoted beyond their competence level.

References

• The Peter Principle - https://keinding.com/onewebmedia/The%20Peter%20Principle%20%28%20PDFDrive%20%29.pdf
• Promotions and the Peter Principle - https://academic.oup.com/qje/article/134/4/2085/5550760
• The Peter Principle: A Theory of Decline - https://www.journals.uchicago.edu/doi/10.1086/379943

 Andy discusses the importance of iteration and feedback in the development process. He emphasizes the difference between iteration and incremental progress, sharing a story from Kent Beck's 'Extreme Programming Explained' to illustrate the concept. Mon-Chaio returns next week when they will discuss the Peter Principle. Stay tuned!

References

• Extreme Programming Explained - https://archive.org/details/extremeprogrammi00beck

Burnout transcends mere feelings of being overwhelmed; it's a profound state that can drastically affect personal well-being and the productivity of organizations. Despite its significance to individuals and their workplaces, it remains a concept often enshrouded in mystery and misinformation.

Leveraging validated academic research and personal insights, Andy and Mon-Chaio present practical strategies for engineering leaders to foster healthier work environments. They explore over five decades of burnout research and discuss its application in contemporary engineering organizations. This episode is a treasure trove of advice for both experienced leaders and those aspiring to management, providing essential tips for cultivating a resilient and flourishing team.

References:

• Surviving Burnout
• Physical, psychological and occupational consequences of job burnout: A systematic review of prospective studies
• The role of psychosocial working conditions on burnout and its core component emotional exhaustion – a systematic review
• Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry
• Six areas of worklife: A model of the organizational context of burnout
• Burnout in software engineering: A systematic mapping study

In this episode of the Tactics for Tech Leadership podcast, the hosts, Andy and Mon-Chaio, explore the concept of removing punishment from organizations. They discuss the implications of eliminating punishment, the role of corporate culture in employee motivation, and the potential obstacles such as untrainable employees and economic downturns. Through a philosophical lens and practical frameworks, they aim to spark thought on how organizations can be more humanistic. Not to be confined to just one experimental format, they also have recorded this episode as a video, so you can watch Mon-Chaio and Andy furrow their brows as they think deeply about these issues.

References

• Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheTTLPodcast
• Toyota Kata: https://public.websites.umich.edu/~jmondisa/TK/Homepage.html
• Social Control: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_control_theory

In episode 29, Andy and Mon-Chaio explored Grint's taxonomy of tame, critical, and wicked problems and how different problem categories required different leadership tactics. However, Grint had a lot more to say about the tactics necessary to adequately address wicked problems.

In this episode, our hosts delve deeper into Grint's paper and introduce his concept of elegant and clumsy solutions. They discuss how the two solutions differ, what role uncertainty plays in dealing with wicked problems, and how egalitarian practices of empathy and community of fate are necessary to truly address the most challenging problems engineering organizations face.

References

• Wicked Problems and Clumsy Solutions: the Role of Leadership
• Rage Against the Machine: Killing in the Name lyrics
• Cortés scuttling his ships

 With Mon-Chaio travelling from Taiwan to Seattle, Andy provides an overview of the podcast's stats. He shares insights into listener demographics, reveals the most popular episodes, and discusses the community engagement they've experienced. Tune in for some interesting statistics and a heartfelt thank you to the audience.

References

• Analysing a team situation using BART - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/8JfI8SL7MLb
• Method and Madness in Storytelling - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/I1cNIUN7MLb
• Team Topologies - Interactions and Triggers - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/LUgO4RQ7MLb

 In this episode of the TTL podcast, the hosts, Andy and Mon Chiao, discuss the concept of 'Management Experience' and its distinction from 'Employee Experience.' They explore the importance of management surveys, the challenges of delegation, and ethical implications in a hierarchical setting. They debate the effectiveness of the proposed four pillars for Management Experience and propose their own set of principles. Listeners will learn about the roles of ethical leadership, alignment of work with organizational goals, and the importance of recognizing employees as individuals.

References

• Introducing MX - Management Experience (TM)   - https://yanivpreiss.com/2024/06/29/introducing-mx-management-experience/
• Manager Tools - https://www.manager-tools.com/manager-tools-basics

One way of categorizing problems faced by engineering organizations is Keith Grint’s framework of wicked, tame, and critical problems. These problem types, each with their unique characteristics and challenges, require distinct approaches to effectively address them.

Join Andy and Mon-Chaio as they provide practical insights and real-world examples to illustrate how engineering leaders can effectively switch between leadership, management, and command roles depending on the nature of the problem at hand. They also share strategies for developing the flexibility and discernment needed to identify the type of problem and apply the appropriate approach.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of Grint’s problem-solving framework and enhance your ability to lead your engineering team through any challenge. Whether you’re dealing with a wicked, tame, or critical problem, this episode equips you with the tools to tackle it head-on.

References

•  Wicked Problems and Clumsy Solutions: the Role of Leadership
•  Jargon File
• Cynefin framework

 In this episode of the TTL podcast, the hosts welcome Ed Morgan, founder of Gordian Knot, to discuss enhancing the hiring process for software engineers. Ed highlights the concept of 'sensemaking' and its impact on interview outcomes, stressing the importance of structured versus unstructured interviews. The trio touches on creating effective rubrics, the surprising resistance to change in hiring practices despite evidence, and the role of psychometrics. Listeners will learn practical steps to improve hiring accuracy and discover why structured interviews are statistically superior.

Edward Morgan is the founder of Gordian Knot, a consulting firm that helps companies build high performance teams by improving their hiring processes and developing custom technical assessments. Visit www.gordianknot.company to learn more.

References:

• Stubborn Reliance on Intuition and Subjectivity in Employee Selection - https://www.cs.jhu.edu/~misha/DIReadingSeminar/Papers/Highhouse08.pdf
• Belief in the unstructured interview: The persistence of an illusion - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/judgment-and-decision-making/article/belief-in-the-unstructured-interview-the-persistence-of-an-illusion/5BBA77932EF22EBEAA1E8020126A1925
• A Meta-Analysis of Interrater and Internal Consistency Reliability of Selection Interviews - https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/judgment-and-decision-making/article/belief-in-the-unstructured-interview-the-persistence-of-an-illusion/5BBA77932EF22EBEAA1E8020126A1925
• Factors affecting employee performance: a systematic literature review - https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/JAMR-06-2018-0052/full/html
• Telling stories to communicate the value of the pre-employment structured job interview - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335762542_Telling_stories_to_communicate_the_value_of_the_pre-employment_structured_job_interview
• Myers-Briggs Type Inventory - https://www.themyersbriggs.com/en-US/Products-and-Services/Myers-Briggs
• DiSC - https://www.discprofile.com/what-is-disc/disc-styles
• Big 5 - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Five_personality_traits

It's something that all companies do and yet it's still a very misunderstood topic: evaluating the performance of people managers. The majority of methods regularly used for measuring managers rely heavily on superficial metrics and outdated practices that fail to capture the true essence of effective leadership.

Join Andy and Mon-Chaio as they explore the complexities of leadership evaluation, shedding light on the nuanced and multifaceted nature of managerial success. They discuss the pitfalls of traditional assessment techniques and introduce evidence-based approaches that provide a more accurate and holistic view of a manager’s impact on their team and organization.

Whether you’re an engineering leader, a people manager, or simply interested in the dynamics of leadership, this episode offers valuable insights and practical strategies to enhance your understanding of what makes a great leader.

References:

• Software Project Managers' Perceptions of Productivity Factors: Findings from a Qualitative Study
• Group maturity, team efficiency, and team effectiveness in software development: A case study in a CMMI-DEV Level 5 organization
• Linking Transformational Leadership to Self-Efficacy, Extra-Role Behaviors, and Turnover Intentions in Public Agencies: The Mediating Role of Goal Clarity
• Transformational Leadership Questionnaire (TLQ)
• A Short Measure of Transformational Leadership

 In this episode of the Tactics for Tech Leadership podcast, hosts Andy and Mon-Chaio explore where leaders should spend their time, touching on the importance of signaling dedication, performance, identity, and power through time management. They discuss the contrast between crisis, wartime leadership, and peacetime stability, emphasizing the Eisenhower Matrix as a tool to prioritize urgent and important tasks. The hosts share insights from their experiences, including how leaders often misidentify crises and the impact of time use on organizational culture. Listeners will also learn about the surprising benefits of sometimes letting things fail to improve overall system resilience.

References

• Eisenhower Matrix - https://www.mindtools.com/al1e0k5/eisenhowers-urgentimportant-principle
• Signs of Our Time: Time-Use as Dedication, Performance, Identity, and Power in Contemporary Workplaces - https://doi.org/10.5465/annals.2018.0148
• Peacetime CEO/Wartime CEO - https://a16z.com/peacetime-ceo-wartime-ceo/

While Andy is away, Mon-Chaio shares anecdotes and stories from his time at the Plato Elevate conference, snippets that didn't make their way into the prevous episode.

 In this episode of the TTL podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy review the recent Plato Elevate Conference in San Francisco. As a unique gathering focused on engineering leadership, Mon-Chaio shares his key takeaways from sessions on effective reorgs, experiments in culture engineering, and the innovative EngOS. The duo also explores the broader value of conferences, particularly the networking opportunities and on-the-ground experiences that often eclipse formal talks. Mon-Chaio highlights the significance of continuous learning for leaders and the practical applications discussed in various roundtable sessions.

References

• Plato Elevate - https://www.platohq.com/events/elevate-2024
• LeadDev - https://leaddev.com/
• How to Create an Engineering OS for your Organization - https://refactoring.fm/p/how-to-create-an-engineering-os-for
• PSP and TSP - https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/library/team-software-process-tsp-and-personal-software-process-psp-materials/
• SEI - https://www.sei.cmu.edu/
• Rational Unified Process - https://public.dhe.ibm.com/software/rational/web/datasheets/RUP_DS.pdf
• CITCON - https://citconf.com/