Author: Slava Imeshev

  • Handling Conflict for Engineering Managers

    Conflict is an inevitable part of any workplace, especially in fast-paced engineering environments. As engineering managers, you are tasked with the dual responsibility of caring for your team while delivering results. Handling conflict effectively requires a careful balance between maintaining composure and ensuring issues are addressed constructively. Here, we provide a comprehensive guide to navigating workplace conflict, emphasizing emotional intelligence and self-control to foster a positive and productive environment.

  • Engineering Management and AI – Part 1/3 – Value

    In this first episode of three, we provide a practical introduction to AI for engineering managers. We share that value AI and Large Language Models, or LLM, offer to engineering managers and their teams. In the end we provide a check list for engineering managers to start get value from AI today.

  • Maintaining Team Morale Through Tough Times

    In this episode, we talk about what causes tough times for companies and how being smart with money and saving up can help keep the business healthy during downturns. We focus on how leaders can boost team morale when things get tough, using tools like one-on-one meetings, positive feedback, kudos programs, and team outings. We also cover the importance of strong engineering leadership, coaching, and career development when facing changes in the organization. Tune in for practical tips and strategies to keep your team motivated and resilient through the rough patches.

  • Managing Hyperperformers

    We dedicate this episode to managing hyper performers. We define who the hyperperformers are, what distinguishes them from the rest of the team and how to manage hyperperformers for the maximum results while retaining them. We share management practices to avoid. In the end provide a checklist that our listeners can use to manage hyperperformers effectively.

  • Effective Dependency Management

    We share how to manage project dependencies in a way that brings results. We are going to define what a dependency is and how to manage your dependencies to ensure that projects you are a part of are delivered on time and with quality. In the end we will provide a checklist that our listeners can use to ensure that their dependencies are always satisfied.

  • Managing Up: Complaining

    We are starting a series on managing up. In this episode we talk about how not to communicate work issues to your boss. We define what complaining is and why complaining is ineffective. We provide a checklist that our listeners can use to see if their upward communications are in the complaining territory.

  • Effective Remote Work

    In this episode, Adam and Slava discuss the new normal of the remote workplace. We discuss the challenges in working remote, key benefits to being remote, and provide guidance for managers to effectively manage remote teams and maximize healthy productivity.

  • Escalating Work Issues Effectively

    We offer an approach to escalating work issues that brings results without destroying relationships. We share what the escalations are, the impact of escalating unskillfully, and how to escalate professionally and effectively. In the end we provide a checklist that our listeners can use to escalate work issues effectively.

  • Effective Goal Setting

    It’s that time of year again for managers and directs to start planning goals and executing on them for the new year. In this episode, we will discuss the challenges with goal setting and provide guidance for making the goal setting process more effective.

  • Getting Things Done: Taking Time Off

    We share the effective way for taking time off. In the end we offer a check list that consists of

    1. Designate a substitute
    2. Prepare your substitute
    3. Set up the Out of The Office response in your email client
    4. Have a sync up meeting with your direct report after you come back