Today on The Review, we explore the human side of engineering orgs, with Apple engineering leader and veteran of Palantir and Slack, Michael Lopp.
Mastering the Human Side of Engineering: Lessons from Apple, Palantir and Slack
Even though it’s never been easier to create software, Michael Lopp — engineering leader at Apple and veteran of Palantir and Slack — still believes the center of exceptional engineering orgs are its people and their dynamics.
Good judgement. Incredible operations. Sound decision-making. “When I look at the last three companies I was at, they’re all completely different businesses,” Lopp says. “But they all shared the same ethos that prioritized engineering, rapid growth and smart people.”
In this exclusive interview, Lopp goes beyond the technical aspects of the engineering function, instead turning his attention to its people. He provides founders and managers with tactical advice for structuring their engineering org and how to get the most out of the people who comprise it.
- Encourage “wolf time” — in Lopp’s ideal world, engineers split their time 71/29. 71% of the time is for doing the things they need to get done. The other 29% of the time is doing whatever is inspiring based on the 71% stuff.
- Keep debate regular — specifically, debate between product, design and engineering. He believes companies give themselves the best chance at making sound decisions by having a steady stream of cross-org debate.
- Build operational systems that can scale while maintaining quality — Lopp says having sound judgement and maintaining sound operations leads to creating and scaling good products.
- How to foster the relationship between product and engineering teams — make sure PMs are telling the story of the “why” behind the product, and engineers understand that, so they can focus on the “how.”
Lopp also shares the traits he’s seen successful leaders possess across his career, from being malleable, to a good storyteller, to understanding individuals’ goals (so leaders can help them grow).
Whether you’re a new engineering manager or are seasoned in leading teams, Lopp’s insights are rooted in the ever-present, yet always-changing thing that powers your org — your people. Knowing what motivates them and how they work together is a vital component to the success of the engineering function and thus, your company.
As always, thanks for reading and sharing.
-The Review Editors