Career Growth
Why Performance Management Works the Way It Does - Stack Ranking, PIPs, Ratings, and a FAQ
Most employees only learn about how performance management works at their company when it's too late. Here's what happens behind the scenes.
Career Growth
Career Growth
If You’re Never Wrong at Work, You’re Probably Not Leading
The people who create the most value are usually the ones willing to make uncomfortable decisions before the right answer is apparent.
Career Growth
22 Somewhat Random Bits of (Mostly Tech Career) Advice From Dave
Not in any order, or theme, just 22 thoughts from Dave.
Career Growth
Relying on Your Manager Isn’t a Career Plan
The steps to take to grow your skills and career without your manager helping.
Career Growth
Twelve Career Lessons They Don’t Put in Onboarding
A few hard-earned lessons about people, politics, consistency, and the parts of work we pretend aren’t part of the job. But really are.
Career Growth
10 Actions to Prepare Yourself for Layoffs
You can't stop your company from conducting layoffs, but you can prepare yourself to reduce the negative impact to you and your family.
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.
Career Growth
Your Boss Thinks You Suck. Now What?
When your 'areas to improve' sounds like a shopping list. Or more subtly, an afternoon is ruined when you get a little honest feedback on your performance. And what you should do next.
Career Growth
The 150 Point Rule of Thumb. How to Strategically Approach Career Pivots.
We don't always begin our careers where we'd like them to end up. We're not stuck with jobs where we began them. I walk through paths to move your career in a new direction.
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.
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.
Mid Career
Six Reader Questions About Meetings, Feedback, Communication, and Ideas
I regularly receive questions over email and in comments on my newsletter. I decided to answer a few of them in detail.