The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source What it takes to scale engineering (Interview)
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Feb 17, 2023 Rachel Potvin, former VP of Engineering at GitHub, shares her extensive knowledge on scaling engineering teams. She discusses the pivotal moment when teams exceed 100 members and the unique challenges that arise. Rachel emphasizes cultivating a strong engineering culture and the importance of effective communication. She highlights the complexities of managing technical debt while fostering psychological safety, providing real-life examples. Additionally, she explores strategies for addressing toxicity within team dynamics and the nuances of guiding startups toward successful growth.
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Three Cultures
- Rachel Potvin's team at GitHub was initially composed of three distinct groups: Semmle, original GitHubbers, and Microsoft employees.
- These groups had different backgrounds, experiences, and expectations, requiring a focus on building a common culture.
Shared Expectations
- Establish clear shared expectations to build a healthy engineering culture.
- Publish clear career ladders and reward systems to reinforce desired behaviors and promote growth.
Spectrum of Roles
- Recognize that management and individual contributor roles are not entirely separate career paths.
- Both roles exist on a spectrum from deeply technical to highly strategic, offering opportunities for various skill sets.