Young Reacts #241
I was asked to scope a project for a VP-level prioritization meeting for a product release. The scoping work was nothing special. But I added one new section in the resulting estimates for those VPs on which I got great feedback.
As I was about to sign off, I thought to myself that these execs wouldn’t want to dig into low-level estimates for individual features unless they wanted to discuss what needs to be cut to the timeline. So I prepared an overview table showing the aggregated scope for each product area and the total (see below).
With this simple table, the VPs could focus on the areas they deemed too expensive. At the end of an hour meeting, we’ve halved the scope and prioritized some areas over others. Later on, I got messages from some VPs that they appreciated being able to get an overview of the project. It’s all in meeting the audience where they are at.
Software Engineering ⚙️
Tech Debt Isn’t a Burden, It’s a Strategic Lever for Success
Tech debt will not be resolved just because engineers call it tech debt (if it does, the organization has a bigger prioritization problem). The team has to evaluate tech debt with the same rigor as product investments regarding problem definition, scope with milestones, and success criteria. That’s why I’d like to call tech debt “tech investments” instead.
Linking generated code to source maps
I’ve used source maps for over ten years, but I must confess that I didn’t understand how it worked. I was helping my teammate with uploading source maps to our monitoring service and finally had a chance to learn how browsers know to find the correct source map files.
People ❤️
Using CPR (Content, Pattern, and Relationship)
Content, Pattern, and Relationship clarifies the types of feedback we give. When we get frustrated that the other party does not change their behavior despite repeated feedback, we need to realize that our following feedback will be about the strained working relationship, not that behavior. Then, we can adjust how we approach that difficult conversation.
Untold narrative as a Head of Design
This article resonated with a topic I’ve contemplated as I got more senior: how authentic should I be as a senior member of a team? I am often the most senior person in a meeting, so I become conscious of the examples I set and try to act the best version of myself. Does that make me a more effective teammate? Probably. Is that the most authentic me? I am not sure.
Publish Everything (Pretty Much)
The times I’ve avoided publishing, it has been because of fear of rejection or fear of judgement.
I’ve felt the same fear when I write something. I sometimes feel that for this newsletter too. But I overcome the fear reminding myself that I learn something from writing and publishing even if no one does.
Business 💰
Cruise, Waymo get green light to give paid rides 24/7 across San Francisco
Previously, Cruis and Waymo were only allowed to operate in certain parts of San Francisco and could only offer free service. That will change soon. This service expansion will be disruptive, but I am excited about a future where older people and the mobility-challenged can travel with much greater freedom.