Grifters, believers, grinders, and coasters

Each type brings unique strengths and weaknesses to an organization

Author

Jakub Chodounsky
December 09, 2024

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The article describes four types of software engineers: grifters, believers, coasters, and grinders. Each type brings unique strengths and weaknesses to an organization. The author argues that a healthy engineering organization needs a mix of all four types, and engineers should learn to work effectively with different types even if their approaches conflict.

An introduction to thinking about risk
7 minutes by Jacob Kaplan-Moss

This article introduces a series about understanding and analyzing risk, particularly in technology and outdoor activities. The author explains that risk can be broken down into two components: likelihood and impact, which can be measured using simple matrices rather than complex quantitative analysis.

Data-Informed, NOT Data-Driven
9 minutes by Ant Murphy

Ant discusses the difference between being data-driven versus data-informed in decision-making. While data-driven approaches can lead to blind adherence to numbers, being data-informed means using data as one of many inputs while acknowledging inherent biases. Ant provides five key strategies to reduce bias and improve decision quality.

Building strong ownership team culture
14 minutes by Candost Dagdeviren

Candost discusses strategies for creating an ownership culture in engineering teams through effective leadership. He shares his experience implementing various approaches, including regular 1:1 meetings, transparent communication, goal-setting at individual and team levels, and deliberate delegation of responsibilities. While this approach requires significant time and energy from leaders, it results in more engaged teams and better outcomes.

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Being in the details
9 minutes by James Stanier

It’s more important than ever to be in the details of what’s going on in your organization. Are you?

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