Accidentally in Code

Tag: slack

  • New-ish Eng-Manager Slack, >1 Year On

    New-ish Eng-Manager Slack, >1 Year On

    em-logoMid-2016, we started a slack for newer engineering managers. After a couple of months, we started growing it more actively and I’m excited that it continues to grow. I believe in community, and the value of peer-mentoring, and it’s been great to create a space for that and have others value it too.

    For me a big part of that is creating an inclusive space, which is why we have a clear code of conduct, and moderators in multiple timezones to enforce it. I’m thrilled that we have a vibrant women channel, and enough latinx eng-managers that there is also a private channel for them.

    As we grow, we need to keep working on onboarding new members so they can reach a point where discussion is at the right volume for them and remains high value.

    For now, though, I’m really grateful for this community, and if this is something you’d also value, I’d invite you to review the Code of Conduct, and join us.

  • Book – Slack: Getting Past Burnout, Busywork, and the Myth of Total Efficiency

    Book – Slack: Getting Past Burnout, Busywork, and the Myth of Total Efficiency

    slackI thought Slack (Amazon) was just about time management, but actually it is a book about organisational dysfunction. I found it eye opening. At the heart of it is the idea that trying to optimise for efficiency is problematic, and the various dysfunctions that result.

    Dysfunctions such as: busywork (need to appear busy, otherwise you’re underutilized and could be laid off), longer response times (because things pile up because everyone is so busy), cost saving measures that backfire (because e.g. engineers do their own admin work and there’s point where you need an extra engineer when an admin would be less expensive), and micromanagement.

    It’s quite an old book, but didn’t feel dated so much as prophetic. Definitely worth reading.