Soft Skills Engineering

In this episode, Dave and Jamison answer these questions: I am a data scientist and was recently passed over for promotion to senior because my projects weren’t “senior level” enough, and I do too many ad hoc requests that delay delivery of my bigger projects. I am a go to for VP and C suite level execs in my company and am commonly asked to help with incidents, all of which are main reasons my projects get delayed. At the same time, I am told by my manager that requests from these stakeholders/incidents are more important than my projects. Every time I try to push back and let stakeholders know that a project will be pushed back due to incidents, they all agree it’s the right prioritization. And yet, every single performance review I get the same feedback about too much as hoc work. I would really like to try again for promotion but I feel like I haven’t been able to change my balance of ad hoc work at all (this is actually getting worse), and support from my manager is lackluster - I don’t feel like it’s even worth trying again in a few months. What can I do to change this dynamic? (Besides quitting!) or is this a poor management/process problem that I cannot solve myself? A listener named Bob says, I want to transition into web development at the least. I have been teaching myself, but I also know that the dev world is more about connections than anything else. I have reached out to multiple people but really have not gotten far. I really want a career transition. I have found a Bachelor of Science degree in web development at Full Sail University. I would graduate in 2.5 years. Is it worth it to take this program or keep self-learning and building out projects? I would be taking this degree all while making time for my family.

The hosts tackle the emotional rollercoaster of receiving a negative performance review and the dilemma of accepting a new job offer. They discuss the importance of personal growth and rebuilding a reputation while balancing professional relationships. Listeners hear anecdotes that emphasize focusing on long-term career goals over temporary setbacks. Additionally, the conversation touches on the challenges of recognizing unsung engineering heroes and the art of using metaphors to simplify complex concepts for non-technical stakeholders.

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.

Explore the quirky world of coding with humorous anecdotes about unusual practices. Dive into the complexities of rehiring former employees while juggling performance concerns and salary negotiations. Hear inspiring stories of personal transformation from difficult colleagues to team players. Discuss the implications of AI's growing role in software development, balancing efficiency with the risk of losing coding skills. Emphasize the importance of teamwork and shared standards in coding culture as AI continues to evolve.

The hosts dive into the career dilemma of a CTO feeling trapped in a stagnant role at a small startup. They tackle the emotional complexities of loyalty versus career growth, musing on the absurdities of management and the challenges of finding personal fulfillment. With a mix of humor and philosophy, they reflect on the burdens of leadership and the transition from being a founder to seeking new opportunities. The conversation is peppered with light-hearted banter, including whimsical anecdotes about geese, creating an entertaining atmosphere throughout.

The hosts tackle the emotional challenges of supporting employees facing layoffs, sharing insights on how managers can provide effective support. They discuss the delicate balance of maintaining morale in a company with a drastically changed culture post-layoff. Strategies for rebuilding trust and engagement among remaining employees are explored, along with tips on setting boundaries during job searches. The conversation emphasizes clear communication and the psychological impacts of layoffs on both affected individuals and those who remain.

The hosts tackle the tricky balancing act of managing a demanding tech job, family life, and personal projects. They share relatable anecdotes on the unique challenges remote workers face and the importance of strategic time management. The discussion takes a humorous turn as they navigate the frustrations of promised raises that never materialize, emphasizing clear communication in the workplace. Throughout, they offer valuable insights and encouragement for those striving to pursue their passions while juggling life's demands.

In a captivating discussion, the hosts tackle the emotional rollercoaster of adjusting to a hands-on manager after experiencing autonomy. They share strategies for maintaining independence while fostering a productive relationship. The conversation also reveals the frustrations of unrecognized accomplishments and the murky waters of workplace promotions, highlighting the hidden politics behind recognition. Listeners are encouraged to communicate openly about career aspirations and navigate the complexities of collaboration amid competing corporate dynamics.

The hosts tackle the intricate world of fintech startups, focusing on onboarding integration challenges and the fine dance of regulatory compliance. They dissect the obstacles of siloed teams and the impact of Conway's Law on data solutions. Intellectual property and ethical data management are also discussed, highlighting the role of AI in sharing knowledge. Plus, there's heartfelt advice on complimenting a colleague who undergoes a significant transformation, reminding us how to acknowledge personal growth without revisiting past mistakes.

Dive into the chaotic world of technical debt, where addressing issues often leads to more problems. Discover how communication and collaboration can ease the stress of constantly shifting codebases. Listen as experts tackle the common feeling of disconnection in tech roles and the importance of aligning with team goals. Get tips on fostering engagement for career growth and the nostalgic role of internal wikis in team identity. Sprinkled with humor, this discussion makes navigating the tech landscape relatable and entertaining!