In this post, we will explore capital (in)efficiency and why the current preoccupation with developer productivity (and efficiency overall) is a symptom of something else. We will discuss layoffs, trust, personal identity, and interest rates. It’s going to get heavy.

Quick Definitions

Capital:

Skills, knowledge, experience, machinery, patents, copyrights, working capital, debt and equity, partner relationships, brand, etc.

Capital Efficiency:

A measure of how effectively a company uses its sources of capital to achieve its objectives, which may include growth, profitability, market share, and other strategic goals

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A couple of the most common questions I get when coaching and mentoring people:

I’m thinking of applying for an engineering manager role. You’ve been doing this for a while… don’t you miss coding?

Or from the perspective of an early career engineering manager:

I like being hands on. I end up working overtime which is the only uninterrupted block of time I get. Even though it’s long hours, I feel really good when I get the chance to do that.

These highlight some of the reasons why it’s so hard to make the switch — not only that, but perhaps they hint at why some people should avoid the switch altogether. That is what I wanted to touch on in this article: why you should not move into engineering management.

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Daniel Gross, former YC Partner and founder shares his wisdom of how to survive and thrive as a startup founder.

Mythical man month is a famous article. You should read it.

Attending this conference next month.