Dev Interrupted

Unveiling the Hidden Side of Org Charts at the NYTimes

Jan 16, 2024

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.

35:00

Episode guests

David Yee

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

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.

Introduction

3min

The Impacts of the Shadow in Organizations

2min

Exploring the Dissonance Between Organization Structure and Function

2min

Integrating the Shadow: Exploring the Unconscious Aspects of Organizations and Leaders

5min

Unveiling the Hidden Problems and Operational Efficiency

2min

Reconciling the Shadow of the Organization

21min

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.

Show Notes: