01Jul 8, 2026/4 minThe Proximity EffectOpportunity does not flow to the best person in the org chart. It flows to whoever is standing nearby when it appears. Most engineers model…thinking principlesorganizationscareer
02Jul 7, 2026/5 minThe Yes-TrapEvery yes is an implicit no to something else — usually to the work you're actually measured on. You have a fixed number of productive hours…thinking principlesorganizationscareer
03Jul 6, 2026/4 minTiming Your AsksMost asks aren't decided on merit. They're decided by when they land. You built a strong case for your promo. You wrote it up carefully…thinking principlesorganizationscareer
04Jul 5, 2026/4 minToo Critical to PromoteIrreplaceability looks like job security. It is actually the cage that keeps you exactly where you are. Engineers accumulate a private…thinking principlesorganizationscareer
05Jul 4, 2026/10 minCookie Licking: Claiming Work Without Doing ItClaiming a piece of work or territory so nobody else can take it — without actually doing it. The claim destroys value for others without…thinking principlesorganizationspolitics