Unveiling the Hidden Side of Org Charts at the NYTimes
Jan 16, 2024
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David Yee, VP of Engineering at the New York Times, joins co-host Conor Bronsdon to discuss the hidden side of org charts. They explore the role of senior leaders in addressing systemic problems, the challenges of aligning technology with traditional news reporting, and the importance of integrating organizational shadows for better decision-making and operational efficiency.
Organizations should acknowledge and integrate the repressed elements known as the shadow to reduce confusion and uncertainty.
Integrating the shadow requires organizations to actively address tensions and contradictions to align decision-making processes with broader goals.
Deep dives
Recognizing the Shadow in Organizations
Organizational leaders often focus on defining values and principles, but they fail to address the repressed elements known as the shadow. The shadow includes aspects of an organization that are excluded or in conflict with the stated values. These unacknowledged elements can cause dysfunction and slow down the organization. By bringing the shadow to light and integrating it into decision-making processes, organizations can reduce confusion and uncertainty.
Understanding the Impact of the Shadow
The impact of the shadow can manifest as confusion, delay, and debate within an organization. Conflicting priorities and unaddressed tensions can hinder operational efficiency and waste time and energy. It is crucial to acknowledge the presence of the shadow and explore ways to integrate it, so decisions can be made more effectively and individuals can feel supported.
Bringing the Shadow to Light in Organizational Design
Integrating the shadow requires organizations to actively address tensions and contradictions. By openly discussing and recognizing the unspoken aspects of the organization, leaders can better align decision-making processes with the broader goals. This can involve explicitly identifying tensions, values, and principles that might not be immediately apparent, and finding ways to reconcile them through ongoing dialogue and awareness.
The Challenges of Integrating the Shadow in Media Engineering Organizations
Media engineering organizations, such as Vox and the New York Times, face unique challenges in integrating their shadows. The clash between product-oriented technology teams and newsroom cultures can create tension and conflicts. This necessitates a conscious effort to merge the two cultures and find ways to align conflicting priorities while maintaining a clear mission. The transformation into a digital organization requires flexibility, adaptability, and constant communication to address institutional knowledge, culture, and legacy practices.
In this week's episode of Dev Interrupted, co-host Conor Bronsdon is joined by David Yee, VP of Engineering at the New York Times. They dive into the often unseen aspects of organizational structures, discussing how every organization regardless of their defined values and principles, operates with a 'shadow'.
David discusses the role of senior leaders in addressing systemic problems and navigating the tensions between innovation and consistency. He highlights the importance of recognizing and integrating these organizational shadows to foster better decision-making and operational efficiency.
Drawing from his rich experience leading engineering teams in media, this conversation offers a unique perspective on the complexities of engineering leadership and explores the challenges of aligning technology with the century-old tradition of news reporting at the New York Times.