Organizations
The 5 Whys in Action: How to Turn Human Mistakes Into Lasting Improvements
When humans inevitably slip, the 5 Whys uncover the real fixes hiding beneath the surface. The 5 Whys expose our weak systems, not our weak people.
Dave Anderson
Organizations
My Reflections on Bret Taylor’s Podcast Conversation with Shane Parrish About AI and Software Development
From code generation to shifting developer roles to organizational decay, here’s what stood out to me in their discussion.
Early Career
I'll Explain How I Defeated Procrastination, Right After I Watch Another YouTube Video
What do high school students, and experienced professionals have in common? We all unwisely put off our most important work.
Organizations
Day 1 Is About Doing What’s Right. Day 2 Is About Getting Promoted.
The shift from customer obsession to career obsession happens quietly, usually through the hiring process. But as your original leadership team transitions out, a new culture moves in.
Career Growth
Work Hard, Stay Busy, and Stay Exactly Where You Are
Busyness feels productive, but without creating space for initiative and higher-impact work, you’ll stay stuck at your current level.
Organizations
Blockers Are Urgent, While Friction Endures
Blockers trigger fire drills, but friction quietly shapes customer and employee behavior every single day. (Additional bonus included - The Toilet Paper Roll Test)
Organizations
Customer Obsession Means Listening Harder—Not Measuring Harder
Large businesses use metrics to handle millions of customers. Yet a single customer story can reveal more than a mountain of metrics—if you’re willing to invest some time to learn more.
Late Career
“Are Right, a Lot”: The Most Misunderstood Amazon Leadership Principle
This leadership principle is less about knowing the right answer and more about getting to the right answer eventually.
People Managers
4 Steps to Delegate (Give Away) Your Work—And Become a Better Leader
Delegation isn’t just about doing less. It’s about getting the work done—and helping others grow in the process.
Early Career
8 Lessons for Work, Life, and Everything in Between
Not everything here will apply to you—but at least one thing might stick. I particularly like number 7.
Personal Dave Posts
AI and the Imminent Death of Capitalism
Successful AGI and capitalism can't coexist. What will happen when AI companies are successful?
Organizations
More Engineers = Less Output? The Costs of Growth.
Growing quickly is lauded as a great thing in the news. But is it always a great thing?