It Depends: Lessons in Technology Leadership

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

This chapter discusses what you can do as a manager to protect your team from layoffs: Ensure the team is aligned with company goals. Raising the visibility of the good work of the individuals on the team. Managing performance. All of these things will help when someone is trying to decide if anyone from your team should be laid off. This episode adds more information for individuals and talks about how managers are judged more by the work of their team and less by their own individual contributions.

Links:

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

Politics! The word has such a negative connotation when discussing work and corporate culture. Political tactics or maneuvers aren't inherently bad. It is the intent behind them that makes them so. You can leverage those same tactics for good instead of evil.

In this episode, Kevin delves into 'The P Word' and discusses the good and bad sides of politics in the workplace based on his own experiences. Whether you're navigating corporate hallways or startup pathways, this one's packed with insights you don't want to miss.

Links:

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

Teams create their own languages organically, which is essential to team bonding and belonging. Understand this and use it to improve how your team works together and to make it easier when onboarding new members.

Links:

• The newsletter with the text of the chapter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com/p/building-a-vernacular-with-your-engineering
• "It Depends: Writing on Technology Leadership 2012-2022" https://itdependsbook.net
• It Depends newsletter: https://kevingoldsmith.substack.com
• Questions/comments: contact@itdependsbook.net