People Driven Development Eddie Flaisler, Morgan VanDerLeest

In this episode, Morgan and Eddie respond to a listener who is struggling to deliver an AI-based internal product for customer support on time. The discussion covers potential reasons for project delays, with a focus on local and global issues affecting predictability. They provide insights on proper effort estimation, managing expectations, the importance of psychological safety, and key metrics such as cycle time and cycle time variance to understand bottlenecks. They also emphasize the value of collaborative work, adaptable processes, and effective communication to improve project outcomes.

(00:00) - Introduction

(00:56) - Understanding the Predictability Problem

(01:28) - Local Issues Affecting Predictability

(10:18) - Global Issues and Organizational Challenges

(16:31) - Strategies for Improving Predictability

(33:27) - Final Advice for Listener

(36:41) - Conclusion

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan discuss the significance and impact of company values, focusing on how to ensure they are effectively implemented and upheld within an organization. They explore the importance of aligning values with actions, integrating them into decision-making processes, and addressing potential pitfalls like value weaponization.
Topics covered:
The purpose of company valuesBridging the gap between values and actionsIntegrating values into decision-makingBuilding systems that support valuesThe role of transparency in value implementationMeasuring the effectiveness of valuesPreventing value weaponization

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan explore the topic of creating ownership within teams and organizations. They discuss what it means to be an owner, how to create an environment where people feel empowered to take ownership, and the benefits of having a culture of ownership.
Topics covered:
What does it mean to be an ownerHow to create an environment where people feel empowered to take ownershipBenefits of having a culture of ownership

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan discuss the question of what makes an effective manager. They delve into the key competencies and attributes that effective managers possess, and explore how these competencies can be developed and improved over time.
Topics covered:
The key competencies and attributes of effective managersHow to develop and improve managerial competenciesThe importance of communication, feedback, and introspection in effective managementThe role of managers in hiring, developing talent, and resolving conflictHow to measure and evaluate managerial effectivenessLinks:
Dare to Lead - Brené BrownCultural Innovation - Kevin OaksTeam Topologies - Matthew Skelton and Manuel PaisEngineering Management for the Rest of Us - Sarah DrasnerThe Effective Manager (2nd Edition) - Mark Horstman, Kate Braun, and Sarah SentesThe Coaching Habit - Michael Bungay StanierThe Advice Trap - Michael Bungay Stanier

In this episode, Eddie and Morgan discuss the question of whether or not engineering organizations can run effectively without any managers. They delve into the underlying reasons why a CEO might ask this question, and explore the key attributes of a team and system that will succeed with varying levels of involvement of managers.
Topics covered:
The possible reasons why a CEO might want to eliminate managersThe key attributes of teams and systems that can succeed with limited involvement of managersThe value of frontline managers, middle management, and senior leadershipThe importance of context and communication in engineering organizationsThe role of managers in hiring, developing talent, and resolving conflictLinks:
Nonviolent Communication - Marshall B. Rosenberg