Negativity spreads faster than bad code reviews—and it can tank your career. Too many engineers air frustrations in the wrong place, at the wrong time, and end up damaging trust instead of fixing problems. In this episode, Jake and Steve Maxey break down the real playbook for raising issues without becoming “that person.” Not theory—practical, tactical advice for ambitious engineers who want to protect their reputation, elevate their team, and lead with intent.
Key Topics Covered
• Why venting in public spaces destroys credibility
• The rule of “complain upward”—and why managers must never complain down
• How negativity infects new hires and poisons culture fast
• Why high output won’t save you if you’re toxic
• The hidden career cost of over-explaining and scenario-spinning
• How managers should respond when employees bring grievances
• Peer-to-peer tactics for shutting down negativity without drama
• How to frame issues so you don’t sound like a complainer
• Bringing solutions instead of problems—why it earns instant respect
• What unresolved issues reveal about company culture
Actionable Steps
• Save grievances for one-on-one conversations with your manager
• Never complain in open spaces or peer-only settings
• As a manager, protect culture—never push negativity down the chain
• Write frustrations down and revisit them later with clarity
• Frame issues around solving for the team, not venting for yourself
• Bring two or three solution options when raising a problem
• Redirect peers with: “Have you brought that to your manager?”
• Cut conversations that waste time—focus on solving, not storytelling
• Track patterns of unresolved issues and decide if you can live with them
• Diffuse negativity quickly and redirect energy back to the work
Who This Episode Is For
• Engineers frustrated at work but unsure how to raise issues
• Managers trying to prevent negativity from dragging teams down
• High performers who output well but risk being toxic
• Early-career engineers learning how to build credibility fast
• Leaders committed to protecting culture while solving real problems
Why It Matters
Engineering careers aren’t built on output alone—they’re built on trust and culture. Venting in the wrong place can destroy both instantly. By learning where, when, and how to raise issues—and by responding well when others bring theirs—you set yourself apart as an engineer who solves problems instead of spreading them. That’s the difference between being seen as overhead and being seen as a leader.
Where to Listen
Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts
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