# Pedro Gil Carvalho Curated learnings on being a better tech leader This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## How LLMs Could Assist Managers With Everyday Problems DevFeed: [How LLMs Could Assist Managers With Everyday Problems]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-08-18T08:37:09Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [Large Language Model](), [ChatGPT](), [Azure]() Tags: [ai](), [ai-assistant](), [chatgpt](), [llms](), [manager](), [privacy]() ### AI overview The article argues that LLMs can help managers handle simple, everyday problems by capturing intent, synthesizing relevant literature, and suggesting checklists or next steps. It says privacy, security, missing context, and the need for human judgment limit their use for diagnosis and strategic decisions. ### Source excerpt Much like AI came for artists first, it might affect the Manager role quicker than we think. ## Are you checking your top two transactions? DevFeed: [Are you checking your top two transactions?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-07-28T13:19:09Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Application Performance Management (APM)](), [Maintainers](), [Software]() Tags: [apm](), [customer-experience](), [datadog](), [elk](), [maintainers](), [self-hosted](), [software]() ### AI overview This short engineering tip recommends periodically reviewing the one or two transactions that consume most of a software service's time. Using available APM data, engineering leaders can discuss performance with maintainers and identify architecture improvements affecting costs or customer experience. ### Source excerpt Short edition today, because not everything needs to be a ten page essay. ## Head of Engineering vs VP vs CTO DevFeed: [Head of Engineering vs VP vs CTO]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-07-21T12:05:21Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [structure](), [Job]() Tags: [developers](), [engineering](), [executive](), [executive-leadership](), [founders](), [growth](), [hiring](), [leadership](), [management](), [organizational-structure]() ### AI overview An analysis of how CTO, Head of Engineering, and VP of Engineering roles vary across companies and change as technology organizations grow. It discusses the division between strategic, founder-facing leadership and execution-focused engineering management. ### Source excerpt In my previous issue I went over entry-level leadership roles. Today I'll try to disambiguate the three most common senior ones. ## Imperfect #15: Team Lead vs EM vs Tech Lead DevFeed: [Imperfect #15: Team Lead vs EM vs Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-07-14T10:17:52Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [engineering-culture](), [Development](), [Code review]() Tags: [code-review](), [hiring](), [leadership](), [management](), [mentoring](), [opinion](), [team](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article compares Tech Leads, Team Leads, and Engineering Managers, describing their typical responsibilities, team sizes, technical involvement, business alignment, and people-management duties. ### Source excerpt The meaning of each entry-level leadership position is subject to much debate. Having had them all myself, I'll share what they mean to me and who I give them to these days. ## Imperfect #14: How to map dependencies DevFeed: [Imperfect #14: How to map dependencies]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-07-07T13:33:59Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Architecture & Design](), [microservices architecture](), [Microservice](), [interfaces](), [API](), [Database]() Tags: [api](), [architecture](), [awareness](), [changes](), [database](), [dependencies](), [distributed](), [issue-tracker](), [map](), [microservices](), [microservices-architecture](), [monitor](), [monolith](), [pair-programming]() ### AI overview The article explains how to map service dependencies to help identify and avoid distributed monoliths. It recommends team-by-team architecture reviews, collaboratively maintained diagrams, monitoring connected interfaces, and tracking dependencies in a simple spreadsheet. ### Source excerpt Avoiding the distributed monolith antipattern requires great situational awareness. Today we go over what that means, how architecture reviews can help, and one simple way to anticipate dependencies. ## Imperfect #13: Killing the Distributed Monolith DevFeed: [Imperfect #13: Killing the Distributed Monolith]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-06-30T09:03:26Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Architecture & Design](), [microservices architecture](), [Microservices]() Tags: [architecture](), [distributed](), [microservices](), [microservices-architecture](), [monolith]() ### AI overview The article argues that a distributed monolith can emerge when microservices teams develop thick networks of dependencies. Using a retailer settings-page example, it describes how ownership boundaries, cross-team requests, context switching, and coordination delays can slow delivery and create defects. It presents the problem as both organizational and technical, with healthier boundaries as the proposed direction. ### Source excerpt Going faster through healthier boundaries ## Using the Eisenhower Matrix to Manage Overwhelm DevFeed: [Using the Eisenhower Matrix to Manage Overwhelm]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-06-23T06:46:57Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Matrix](), [systems](), [scheduling](), [meetings]() Tags: [delegation](), [matrix](), [meetings](), [scheduling](), [systems]() ### AI overview The author describes using management systems to handle recurring problems and reduce decision-making overhead. When competing priorities become overwhelming, they use the Eisenhower Matrix to classify tasks by urgency and importance, identify delegation opportunities, and review priorities on a Miro board. ### Source excerpt How the Eisenhower Matrix saves my day ## Imperfect #11: Resilience as an advantage DevFeed: [Imperfect #11: Resilience as an advantage]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-06-16T07:19:53Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Resilience]() Tags: [resilience]() ### AI overview This short newsletter argues that resilience during economic turmoil, industry disruption, layoffs, and pressure can help leaders stand out, deliver results, develop valuable startup skills, and create future opportunities. ### Source excerpt Why stay when others leave? ## Can AI Replace Engineering Managers? DevFeed: [Can AI Replace Engineering Managers?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2023-04-28T07:05:06Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Artificial Intelligence](), [Software Engineering](), [Large Language Model](), [Language models]() Tags: [ai](), [automation](), [chatgpt](), [engineering-management](), [large-language-model](), [llms](), [manager](), [software](), [software-engineering]() ### AI overview This opinion article considers whether AI could replace engineering managers. It argues that AI systems can handle many tasks once reserved for humans by retrieving, combining, and summarizing information, while noting that AI can also produce credible-sounding errors. ### Source excerpt AI is changing software engineering. But can it replace a manager? ## Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager DevFeed: [Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-10-14T11:30:54Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Development](), [coding](), [code reviews]() Tags: [code-reviews](), [coding](), [developers](), [engineering-manager](), [process]() ### AI overview This opinion article explains when engineering managers should code. It advises new managers to focus primarily on people, process, and communication, while identifying bug fixing, proofs of concept, code reviews, and hands-on work in small teams as useful exceptions. Regular coding can create missed deadlines, blocked dependencies, delayed releases, and damaged credibility. ### Source excerpt Keeping our skills sharp without blocking anyone ## Managing Employees During the Invasion of Ukraine DevFeed: [Managing Employees During the Invasion of Ukraine]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-02-25T10:32:45Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Support](), [Risk]() Tags: [berlin](), [company](), [employees](), [money](), [support](), [ukraine]() ### AI overview The article advises managers to support employees affected by the invasion of Ukraine, including by checking in, providing needed assistance, considering financial help and extraordinary time off, preventing hostility toward Russian employees, and adjusting expectations. ### Source excerpt A message for managers of people who are affected by the invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces ## Imperfect #6: On the unreasonable effectiveness of onboarding buddies DevFeed: [Imperfect #6: On the unreasonable effectiveness of onboarding buddies]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-02-18T13:37:00Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Learning](), [Job](), [Code](), [systems]() Tags: [code](), [developer](), [documentation](), [effectiveness](), [learning](), [onboarding](), [pitfalls](), [teams](), [workshops]() ### AI overview This article discusses how managers can improve developer onboarding. It identifies signs of successful onboarding, such as contributing quality code, understanding the business, participating in design discussions, and building coworker relationships, then recommends assigning an onboarding buddy as a simple tactic for helping new hires become productive and engaged. ### Source excerpt And the many pitfalls to avoid ## Job Hopping, Career Progression, and Startup Tenure DevFeed: [Job Hopping, Career Progression, and Startup Tenure]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-02-11T12:16:01Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [tech jobs](), [Job]() Tags: [career](), [career-progression](), [equity](), [hiring](), [interviews](), [jobs](), [new-job](), [promotion](), [startups](), [talent]() ### AI overview The article examines why tenure can be short in technology jobs, including easier access to raises and promotions by changing employers, startup changes, rapid individual growth, and startup failure. It considers whether frequent job changes can harm a career. ### Source excerpt Red flag or sign of ambition? Hint of impatience, or rebellion of the discriminated? And what part do companies play in this? There's a lot to unpack. ## How Managerial Authority Can Undermine Developer Empowerment and Productivity DevFeed: [How Managerial Authority Can Undermine Developer Empowerment and Productivity]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-02-04T08:00:42Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Software](), [Job]() Tags: [article](), [developers](), [leadership](), [manager](), [managerial-roles](), [motivation](), [performance](), [power](), [problems](), [product](), [productivity](), [pull-request](), [team]() ### AI overview This opinion article argues that managers who rely too heavily on authority, including micromanaging approvals and imposing their own ideas, can disempower developers and reduce engagement, performance, and product delivery. It advocates servant leadership through clarity, enablement, and team empowerment. ### Source excerpt More power, more problems ## In Defense of the Take-Home Coding Challenge DevFeed: [In Defense of the Take-Home Coding Challenge]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2022-01-28T13:02:14Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Code Challenge](), [coding](), [Testing]() Tags: [coding](), [developers](), [technical-interview](), [test]() ### AI overview This commentary examines the role of take-home coding challenges in developer hiring. It argues that, despite concerns about candidate burden and lengthy hiring processes, standardized challenges can provide relevant and comparable work samples, while automated testing tools may lack nuance. ### Source excerpt In defense of the take-home coding challenge ## Managers should take responsibility for compensation conversations and decisions DevFeed: [Managers should take responsibility for compensation conversations and decisions]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2021-09-21T18:44:35Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [Job](), [Finance](), [trust]() Tags: [employees](), [employment](), [job](), [manager](), [money](), [trust]() ### AI overview This management commentary argues that managers should understand their reports' compensation, participate in setting pay policies, communicate employment and compensation decisions, handle salary discussions thoughtfully, and advocate for their teams rather than delegating these responsibilities entirely to HR and Finance. ### Source excerpt Everything you wanted to know about money but were afraid to ask ## Why Engineering Managers Should Stop Solving Tactical Coding Problems DevFeed: [Why Engineering Managers Should Stop Solving Tactical Coding Problems]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho Published: 2021-08-16T11:55:00Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho]() Topics: [engineering-culture](), [Code]() Tags: [code-review](), [coding](), [culture](), [engineering-manager](), [team]() ### AI overview The article argues that engineering managers should act as force multipliers instead of routinely taking over coding tasks. It describes how solving tactical problems personally can reduce time for the team, limit team members' opportunities to learn, and make the manager a blocker. ### Source excerpt On the proper care and feeding of monkeys