Leadership GardenAll posts
151 essays since 2017, newest first.
Prefer a year-by-year list? See the archive.
20 Business Terms You Need Before Your Next Budget Meeting
Cut through business jargon with 20 essential terms every engineering manager needs to understand to advocate effectively for their team.
No Clear “Why”, No Clear Path
Discover why starting every project with a clear purpose prevents wasted effort and how to ensure your team truly understands the why behind the work.
Avoid “Motivation Hacks.” Build Systems Your Team Can Rely On.
Discover why building reliable systems outperforms motivation hacks every time and how to create the infrastructure your team actually needs.
Stop Solving Everyone’s Problems. Coach Them To Solve Their Own.
Your value as a manager isn’t measured by problems solved, but by problems your team can handle without you. Learn coaching over fixing.
Every Team Problem Is Ultimately A Leadership Problem
Discover why every persistent team problem reflects leadership choices and how taking ownership transforms both leaders and their teams.
Compliance Is Not Commitment
Learn to recognize when your team is merely complying rather than committed, and practical steps to build the trust needed for honest feedback.
Good Managers Clear Paths
Good managers make progress easier by removing friction, clarifying goals, and clearing obstacles out of the team’s way.
Your Team Knows More Than You Do
Why strong managers rely on the team’s collective judgment instead of acting like the smartest person in the room.
The “Right” Decision Doesn’t Exist. Just Make The Best One You Can.
The most effective leaders don’t find perfect answers—they make good-enough decisions and execute brilliantly. Learn their approach.
Lead By Example, Especially When No One’s Watching.
Your team doesn’t hear what you say nearly as clearly as they see what you do. Learn why leadership by example isn’t optional—it’s everything.