The Engineering Leadership Podcast Conscious Career Growth (part 1) with Wade Chambers, CTO & SVP of Engineering @ Grand Rounds #20
Aug 10, 2020
Wade Chambers, CTO & SVP of Engineering at Grand Rounds, shares his 25+ years of experience in engineering leadership. He discusses 'conscious growth' and the power of neuroplasticity in advancing careers. Wade emphasizes confronting discomfort for self-discovery and effective leadership. He reflects on early managerial failures and the importance of vulnerability in career progression. Listeners will gain insights into aligning personal growth with organizational goals and the role of mentorship and feedback in navigating career challenges.
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Wade's First Management Failure
- Wade was a poor first-time engineering manager, making classic mistakes and continuing previous tech lead habits.
- His team felt micromanaged and suffocated, leading to resignations and direct feedback on his ineffectiveness.
How To Measure Manager Success
- Measure engineering managers by team output, responsibility, and business impact growth over 12 months.
- Improve these by enhancing process, investing in people, tools, and saying no strategically.
Brain's Adaptation Explains Growth
- Neuroplasticity means your brain's structure changes as you focus on different skills, strengthening some areas and weakening others.
- This explains conditioning and why focusing only on current strengths limits growth into new areas.
