Your Strengths Are Your Weaknesses

The qualities you value most in engineers are also creating your biggest problems. Here's how to handle this paradox. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 days ago

Why Your ‘Harmonious’ Team Is Actually Failing

Teams often confuse psychological safety with everyone getting along perfectly. I see leaders bragging about teams where nobody ever raises their voice, where meetings wrap up with everyone nodding along, and where disagreements are rare. Some even think their team is “psychologi … | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 23 days ago

A Simple Note-Taking System for Managers

This note-taking system fosters constructive feedback and encourages growth, combining essential tracking with positivity to enhance performance discussions effectively. Tailor it to your unique style! | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 1 month ago

The RISE of the Junior Developer

Discover how Junior Developers now level up at lightning speed, as AI turns every code review into real-time, on-demand mentorship. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 1 month ago

The 7 Most Influential Papers in Computer Science History

This post celebrates influential papers that shaped technology and communication. Their foundational concepts inspire continued innovation, highlighting the importance of understanding our roots for future advancements. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 2 months ago

Effective Team Engagement Strategies for New Managers

Transitioning to management is a rewarding journey of learning balance. By adapting my engagement level, I've empowered my team to grow while fostering open communication and collaboration. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 months ago

Burnout ≠ Working Too Much

Burnout often stems from a lack of purpose and agency, not just workload. Empowering teams with meaningful tasks and autonomy fosters motivation and connection to their work. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 months ago

We’ve Been Here Before

Technological advancements have empowered engineers to focus on creativity and strategy. AI will similarly elevate human insight, generating growth and innovation. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 months ago

When Doing Nothing is the Best Management Strategy

Effective management isn't just about constant action; sometimes, doing nothing fosters trust and ownership in teams, leading to innovative solutions and enhanced productivity. | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 months ago

Management Is Lonely — And What to Do About It

“It is cold and lonely at the top of a mountain” — Chinese proverb Working as a full-stack engineer for over a decade, I don’t remember feeling lonely once. I’d go out for lunch (and happy hours) with my peers, had pair programming sessions with them, they always reviewed my code … | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 3 months ago

The One Good Reason to Become a Manager (and All the Bad Ones)

When thinking about moving from an Individual Contributor (IC) to a Manager, it’s crucial to understand why you want to make this change in the first place. It’s not just about getting a new title; it’s a big shift in what you’ll be responsible for, the work you’ll do every day, … | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 4 months ago

The 6 Mistakes You’re Going to Make as a New Manager

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager is tough but rewarding. The key is to delegate, find new sources of fulfillment, focus on quality over quantity, maintain proper engagement, manage perceptions, and redefine success based on team happiness and productivity … | Continue reading


@terriblesoftware.org | 4 months ago