Is it worth measuring software developer productivity?

Thanks for reading Exec. Eng. a weekly newsletter for the busy tech executive.

If it’s your first time stopping by — Hi, I’m Yassine. I spend a big chunk of my time digging into Engineering Management and Talent Acquisition, especially where the two overlap. I share the most interesting resources I come across in this newsletter, all curated by hand.

I hope the insights bring value.

Hiring Engineers

Cultivating a Rich Talent Pool in Tech - With the tech sector facing a persistent shortage of talent, strategies such as using retiring employees as independent contractors, offering development opportunities to existing employees and partnering with organizations that cultivate tech talent help companies build and maintain talent pipelines. (Rhett Power / CEO World Magazine)

Attracting talent through tech and student?communities - Explore how CTW is attracting tech talent, using platforms like WeChat and LinkedIn, and hosting seminars and workshops to engage with student communities. This strategy focuses on nurturing early-career professionals, blending in-depth engagement with opportunities for growth and learning. (Nobu Sato / Workable)

Managing Engineers

Is it worth measuring software developer productivity? CIOs weigh in - While organizations are eager to improve productivity, some argue that a focus on streamlining developer workflows may be a more effective approach. The key is to foster a collaborative team environment, and focus on continuous improvement rather than fixating on specific metrics. (Bill Doerrfeld / CIO)

Managing Technical Debt - There is no denying that managing technical debt is a key challenge for most tech teams. The article offers insights into various techniques like issue tracking, DORA metrics, and staff surveys for measuring and mitigating tech debt, underscoring the necessity of a uniform approach and organizational agreement on tech debt management. (Jacob Kaplan-Moss)

Why does Intentional Leadership matter? - Highlighting the crucial role of intentional leadership, the article discusses how leaders' motives and actions shape their team's trust, satisfaction, and loyalty. It focuses on the importance of consistency, transparency, expertise, and empathy in leadership, guiding how to create an inspiring and trustworthy work atmosphere. (Karen Mishra / CEO World Magazine)

How to deal with your staff’s secret side hustles - With the growing trend of employees working multiple jobs, especially remotely, managers and HR execs should focus on results and accountability rather than intrusive monitoring. Emphasizing clear goals, transparent communication, and trust building, the article suggests a nuanced approach to addressing potential conflicts of interest. (Lauren Karan / Kochie's Business Builders)

Remote Trend

Empowering the Future of Work: Strategies for Seamless Flexible Work Success in an Increasingly Connected World - According to a survey, 95% of Singapore employees have highly flexible work arrangements and 78% feel more productive. To ensure a smooth flexible work experience, organizations need a holistic approach that includes a flexible technology stack, robust communication, and a culture of trust. (John Boesen / The Fast Mode)

3 essential tips for hiring and managing out-of-state and remote workers - The trend toward remote work is on the rise, and employers are advised to have effective hiring strategies in place, including clear job descriptions and communication of expectations. Onboarding remote workers requires attention to legal and compliance issues, as well as personalized benefits packages tailored to different locations. Regular check-ins are critical to gauge satisfaction, however, over-management should be avoided. (Mariette Williams / Business Insider)

Misc

• Is software getting worse? - (Isaac Lyman / Stack Overflow)
• What Are AI Hallucinations and How To Stop Them - (Shelby Hiter / eWeek)
• Developing Software Products vs Growing Plants - (Naz Eylem / Medium)

Posts of the week

If you have any feedback or topics you’d like to see more on, let me know in the comments.

I also share my own personal insights and thoughts on engineering leadership and talent acquisition periodically. Let’s connect.