Category Archives: Being a Good Leader
Engineering Layoffs = More Free Cash Flow
In which I think the findings that 40% of the recent Amazon layoffs further supports the hypothesis that Amazon wants Free Cash Flow to get cash-in-hand, and is willing to risk scaling and/or features for Q4 to get it. Continue reading
So You Want To Be a Manager? What Do You Do If…
Where I give advice for those transitioning from individual contributor roles to management. I use a story to illustrate how to be comfortable with the hard questions, and how to be supportive and honest with your people. Continue reading
About What Andy Said…
Where I discuss “a culture of and,” why Amazon’s leadership principles create that culture, and asking why Andy Jassy creating a culture of or. Continue reading
More on the Amazon Layoffs
In which I discuss what I think could be the reason for the recent Amazon layoffs. Hint: they want cash in hand. Now why would they want cash in hand? Continue reading
You Gotta Do What Makes You Happy
Where I discuss the importance of pursuing personal happiness in work, what it means to be happy, and why you should help people be happy. Leaders check in with their team, because unhappy people are less productive. Perseverance is vital for growth, but leaders need to listen and help solve issues with compassion. Continue reading
Another viral LinkedIn post
I’ve had another one of my posts on LinkedIn go viral: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7388737736590909440/ Turns out, part of the reason why is because I’ve become internet famous: https://www.reddit.com/r/jobs/comments/1oicvgs/18year_amazon_veteran_ive_never_seen_layoffs_this/ I’m amused by the number of people that don’t believe that I’m as old … Continue reading
Amazon, Salesforce, and (American History) X
In which I discuss how Salesforce is now a must-avoid company, and ask what we should do about the ultra-rich who are undermining our democracy, and the companies they lead. Continue reading
What To Do When Things Go Wrong
People don’t remember what you did when things were going well. People remember what you do when things go wrong. This post explores that idea, and how to make sure you think clearly about the BEST thing to do, and then DO IT. Continue reading
Don’t Be Afraid
In which I discuss how fear is an overweight counterbalance in the risk equation, and how to check yourself whenever you feel afraid. There are a lot of benefits to not being afraid. Continue reading
How To Ask For Help
When you ask for help, the right way to do it is to say: (1) This is what I’ve done; (2) This is what I plan to do next; (3) Am I on the right track? This article discusses the hows and whys of this pattern. Continue reading
