

Episode 465: Talking to your report's previous manager and how to replace a 30-year-old ticketing system
25 snips Jun 16, 2025
The hosts tackle the delicate art of communicating with former managers about new team members. They weigh the value of past feedback against the potential biases that come with it. Laughter ensues as they ponder the challenges of replacing a clunky, 30-year-old ticketing system. Insights reveal how ingrained habits can hinder change, but there's hope for modernization. Engaging anecdotes showcase how to appreciate the current system while nudging for progress, emphasizing the importance of careful integration when introducing new tools.
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Manage Prior Feedback Carefully
- Gather as much input from previous managers about new team members but consider potential biases.
- Use the feedback to proactively watch for patterns without letting it overly influence your judgment.
Focus on Future Potential
- Past issues of an employee belong to their history, but their future performance is your leadership opportunity.
- Resetting someone with a new team can foster growth and change old patterns.
Git-SVN Bridge Success Story
- At a prior company, early adopters used a Git-SVN bridge to gently transition from Subversion to Git.
- Demonstrations of faster workflows and useful features naturally convinced others to switch.