Here are the things that matter most to me, values and practices I try to emulate, learn and mentor as an engineering leader. It’s a work in progress . . .
1. Technology is easy, people are far more important. Focus on your team and users first, everything else flows from that.
2. Be honest in everything you do, to your self, and everyone around you. It will help everything move in the right direction more quickly.
3. You will do something you love doing 100x better than something you hate. Lean towards that but be realistic.
4. Iterate between breadth and focus. Spot when to change modes, sometimes you need to look up and assess all your options, sometimes you need to pick one and run hard at it.
5. Creativity will get you through a lot of situations. Make space for it.
6. The answer was often right there. When things go wrong the best answer may have been sat quietly at the far edge of the table. Blaming people won’t bring it to the centre next time.
7. Always be learning. Never stop, do it just for the sake of it, good things will happen.
8. Be vulnerable : ask for help and admit your mistakes. You’re great but you don’t have all the answers.
9. The world is chaotic – be clear with yourself on what you prioritise and where your limits are.
10. Culture is king – you have to live it as well as articulate it.