Supper Club × Sarah Drasner on Engineering Management

Jan 6, 2023

In this chat with Sarah Drasner, Director of Engineering at Google and author of 'Engineering Management for the Rest of Us', the discussion dives into the transition from coding to management and back. She shares insights on effective leadership, managing team dynamics, and the art of conflict resolution. Sarah also delves into her book writing experience, including tools like Scrivener. Plus, get the scoop on her playful Fortnite-themed Visual Studio Code and tips on creating productive workspaces for remote teams.

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ANECDOTE

From Engineer to Manager

Sarah Drasner transitioned from engineering to a lead role, leveraging her system expertise.
Moving into management required a different skill set, focusing on people and productivity.

INSIGHT

Balancing Focus and Guidance

Managers must balance minimizing distractions and providing clarity for their teams.
This involves one-on-ones and career guidance, connecting individual work to overall goals.

INSIGHT

Values and Burnout

Values misalignment, not overwork, is a major source of burnout.
Understanding and honoring employee values is crucial for job satisfaction and reducing burnout.

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Accelerate

The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High Performing Technology Organizations

Nicole Forsgren

Gene Kim

Jez Humble

Accelerate presents the findings from four years of research, including data from the State of DevOps reports, to identify key capabilities that drive high performance in software delivery. The book focuses on 24 practices grouped into five categories: Continuous Delivery, Architecture, Product and Process, Lean Management and Monitoring, and Cultural. It provides practical guidance on how to apply these practices to improve team performance, reduce deployment pain, and enhance overall business value. The book is ideal for management at every level involved in digital transformation and software development.

Engineering Management for the Rest of Us

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Charity Majors

Sarah Drasner's "Engineering Management for the Rest of Us" offers practical advice for engineering managers, focusing on building strong teams and fostering a positive work environment. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding personal and team values, promoting transparency, and creating a culture of accountability. It provides actionable strategies for managing engineers effectively, addressing common challenges, and navigating the complexities of modern software development. Drasner's insights are particularly relevant for managers who are new to the role or those seeking to improve their management skills. The book's focus on empathy and understanding makes it a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership position.

SVG Animations: From Common UX Implementations to Complex Responsive Animation

Sarah Drasner

This book provides a comprehensive guide to animating SVGs, covering both common UX implementations and complex responsive animations. It delves into designing SVGs for performance, animating with CSS, and advanced techniques using JavaScript. The book is designed for both designers and developers, offering practical solutions for creating beautiful and responsive animations.