It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

In this episode of the It Depends podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith, an experienced CTO and technology leader with over 30 years in the industry, dives into the intricacies of making raise recommendations as part of performance reviews. Drawing from his book "It Depends: Writings on Technology Leadership" and a talk he delivered at Lead Dev Berlin in 2019, Kevin unpacks the often misunderstood processes behind salary budgeting and recommendations. He shares insights on how companies allocate salary budgets, manage compensation, and the importance of understanding cross-functional dynamics for CTOs and tech leaders. This episode is part three of a four-part series on writing performance reviews. It is essential listening for managers, leaders, and anyone navigating the complexities of pay raises and team performance in a corporate setting. 

Listeners will also gain valuable advice on preparing for job interviews, understanding the broader aspects of company leadership, and Kevin's reflections on alternative compensation systems like those used by GitLab and Buffer. Whether you're an aspiring leader or a seasoned CTO, this episode offers a unique perspective on a crucial aspect of leadership that is often left unexplored.

Tune in for actionable insights, real-world examples, and practical advice for anyone involved in making raise recommendations or leading a technology organization.

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The It Depends Newsletter
• How Does Salary Work? (LeadDev Berlin 2019
• The newsletter issue with this chapter

In this insightful episode of The It Depends Podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into a critical aspect of leadership: writing effective and fair performance reviews. Kevin, an experienced CTO and author of It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership, shares lessons from his own career spanning over 30 years, including his time at Adobe, Spotify, and Microsoft.

This episode, part of a four-part series on performance reviews, focuses on how to take the data you've gathered and craft meaningful, actionable feedback for your team. Kevin also reflects on his personal experiences with both successful and flawed review systems, offering advice on how to navigate various company processes. Whether you're a new manager or a seasoned executive, this episode is packed with practical advice and cautionary tales to help you master the review process.

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The It Depends Newsletter

Join Kevin Goldsmith on the "It Depends" podcast as he explores the nuanced world of performance reviews in technology leadership. Drawing from his extensive experience and his book, Kevin offers actionable insights on making performance reviews more effective and less burdensome. This episode guides listeners through assembling relevant data and providing feedback that genuinely aids employee development. Tune in to transform how you approach performance reviews, making them a powerful tool for leadership and growth. Whether you're a seasoned manager or a new leader, this podcast promises valuable lessons in nurturing talent effectively.

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The It Depends Newsletter
• The Assembling the data newsletter issue
• LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned Chief Technology Officer, explores the importance of effective one-on-one meetings between managers and their direct reports. Drawing from his extensive experience, Kevin offers practical tips for making these meetings more productive and engaging, such as taking walks during the meetings or using tactile objects to encourage conversation.

He emphasizes the need for consistency in holding one-on-ones, particularly in remote work settings, and discusses how these meetings are crucial for building trust and ensuring that employees feel valued. This episode is a must-listen for managers looking to enhance their leadership skills and foster better communication with their teams.

Links to things mentioned in the podcast:

• Manager Tools Podcasts on one-on-ones
• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The It Depends Newsletter
• LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)

In this episode of the It Depends podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into the complexities of managing partially distributed engineering teams.

Kevin discusses the nuances of communication, collaboration, and culture in partially distributed teams, emphasizing the unique challenges that arise when some team members work remotely while others remain in the office. He highlights his experiences at companies like Adobe, Microsoft, and more, offering valuable lessons on effective management strategies and the importance of maintaining human connections in a digital work environment.

Whether you're a tech leader navigating the post-COVID landscape or simply interested in the future of work, this episode provides actionable insights and practical advice for fostering successful distributed teams

links:

• Video and slides from Leading Distributed Teams
• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The newsletter
• LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith, a seasoned CTO and tech executive, explores the valuable lessons that can be gleaned from employee resignations. Drawing from his extensive experience and insights from his book "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022," Kevin delves into how a resignation can actually present a unique opportunity for growth and improvement within a team.

Kevin discusses the emotional and professional impacts of resignations, the pitfalls of unhealthy retention, and the importance of fostering a dynamic team environment. He shares anecdotes from his career, including experiences at Adobe and Spotify, highlighting how to handle resignations constructively and turn them into opportunities for positive change.

Listen in to learn how to transform the challenge of losing a team member into a strategic advantage, improve your management skills, and create a more resilient and innovative team.

Welcome to the It Depends podcast with your host, Kevin Goldsmith! Kevin is a seasoned Chief Technology Officer with over 30 years of experience in software development, having worked in both colossal companies and budding startups. In each episode, Kevin delves deeper into the chapters, offering more context and behind-the-scenes stories.

This week, Kevin revisits a chapter from 2013: What Do I Look for When Hiring an Engineer? Tune in as he discusses the evolution of hiring practices in the tech industry, shares personal anecdotes from his days at Microsoft, and provides valuable advice on navigating the ever-changing landscape of job interviews.

Links:

• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The newsletter
• LeadingEng NYC 2024 (use the discount code "Distrokid" for 10% off the registration price)

In this episode of the "It Depends" podcast, host Kevin Goldsmith delves into the complexities of decision-making in management and its implications on organizational policy. Titled "Every Decision Creates a Policy," this chapter is particularly significant, highlighting common managerial pitfalls and their long-term effects on company culture and consistency.

Kevin shares his extensive experience to illustrate how seemingly simple approvals can set precedents, inadvertently shaping future policies. He explains scenarios where inconsistent decisions led to perceived favoritism and ultimately necessitated the imposition of strict, rigid policies that curtailed previously enjoyed freedoms. The episode emphasizes the importance of consistency and transparency in managerial decisions to maintain trust and morale within the team.

Listeners will gain insights into the nuanced impact of their decisions and learn practical strategies for aligning individual managerial actions with broader organizational values. This episode is crucial for managers, leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the ripple effects of their choices in a corporate environment.

Links:

• The book: It Depends: Writing on Technology 2012-2022
• Your host: Kevin Goldsmith
• The newsletter
• LeadingEng 2024