Summary
In this episode of Engineering Evolved, Tom Barber discusses the critical first 90 days of a modernization initiative for engineering directors. He emphasizes that success is not solely about technology but about understanding the business pain, building trust, and navigating organizational dynamics. The episode provides a week-by-week action plan, highlighting the importance of quick wins, effective communication, and avoiding common pitfalls in modernization efforts.
Takeaways
In this episode of Engineering Evolved, Tom Barber discusses the critical first 90 days of a modernization initiative for engineering directors. He emphasizes that success is not solely about technology but about understanding the business pain, building trust, and navigating organizational dynamics. The episode provides a week-by-week action plan, highlighting the importance of quick wins, effective communication, and avoiding common pitfalls in modernization efforts.
Takeaways
- The first 90 days will make or break your initiative.
- It's about trust, momentum, and not declaring war on allies.
- Understand the business pain that led to your hiring.
- Your job isn't to fix everything but to prove you can be trusted.
- Conduct a 10-day discovery sprint to clarify needs.
- Weeks one and two should focus on listening and mapping.
- Identify a quick win that builds credibility.
- Stay engaged during the execution of the quick win.
- Communicate your vision and reset expectations with leadership.
- Avoid common pitfalls like ignoring the human side of technology.