Career Growth
Fake It Till You Make It — To Become a Leader, Act Like One
I found, rather than waiting for my promotions at Amazon, I was more fulfilled and grew myself as a leader by pretending I had already been promoted.
Latest
Interviewing
Three Tales from an Amazon Bar Raiser
A few examples of situations I went through as a bar raiser, one of the most entertaining positions at Amazon.
Mid Career
A Three Topic Article — Interviewing, Multiple Choice Management, and My Holiday Gift Guide
Sometimes you have a single topic, sometimes you have three. Today is a 3-fer.
Organizations
4 (More) Good Things and 2 (More) Bad Things and 2 Misunderstandings About Working at Amazon: From 12+ Years in Management
A continuation of my previous article about my experiences at Amazon. What they do well, what they don't do well, and in this article, I also mention a few common beliefs I disagree with.
Organizations
3 Good Things and 3 Bad Things About Working at Amazon: From 12+ Years in Management
Line manager to Senior Manager to Director. It was a great place to work, but I have a pretty balanced view of what Amazon does well, and what it doesn't.
Organizations
Stories of Good and Bad Feedback Dave Received From His Managers
A few anecdotal stories of times I received feedback from the senior leaders in my life
Late Career
Good Employees Follow the Rules. Great Employees Break Them.
Because the rules are meant for those who aren't as smart and brave as you. Seriously.
Late Career
Why You Can't Teach Leadership — Experience vs. Instruction
I'm slightly exaggerating, as I do think there are some very specific things we can teach. But the majority of the leadership job is gained through the school of hard knocks.
Early Career
10 Reader Questions About Career Politics, Investing, Job Hopping, and AI (among others)
Answering some reader questions on various topics. I love questions!
Personal Dave Posts
Dave's Path to Amazon — And He Makes Fun of the Midwest
My path to Amazon wasn't obvious, or all that intentional. But it changed my life forever.
Organizations
9 Simple Actions You Can Take to Build a Culture of Empathy
You can build an accidental culture, or a purposeful culture. Take action to build a culture of empathy, and reap the rewards.
Career Growth
No More Excuses: Trading Blame for Action. Practical Steps Towards Ownership Instead of Whining.
I'll admit a lack of patience for people who prefer to make excuses when they're given advice. It's easier to make excuses rather than do the hard work.