This episode dives into various team models within technology organizations, focusing on a comparison between the traditional Engineering Manager (EM) model—where a single manager handles both technical direction and people management—and autonomous cross-functional teams, inspired by frameworks like Team Topologies. I make the case for the latter, highlighting the intentional separation of people management from delivery responsibilities. This approach promotes greater autonomy, distributed leadership, and psychological safety, enabling teams to thrive in a more empowered and collaborative environment.
The AI hosts dive into my perspectives, exploring the strengths and weaknesses of each model, including the challenges posed by "unicorn" EM roles and the critical role of trust in autonomous teams. The discussion ultimately underscores the importance of being intentional about the mindset an organization adopts to scale, regardless of the structural framework chosen.
Link to the article: Mindsets That Shape Software Delivery Team Structures, originally published March 29, 2025.
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