Matank

How to improve Engineering Team Performance by 33%

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Check Point Software

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HiBob

Riskified

Matan Kubovsky

Tech Mentor and Advisor

Strategies for managing performance and when they should be used.

Learn a new method to drive higher performance

Leverage a new tool that creates alignment and level-up performance.

Latest approach for setting expectations with direct reports

How to give constructive and actionable feedback and what to avoid in order to make the biggest impact.

Top mistakes to avoid

Managers and leaders are not taught how to deliver feedback that changes behavior and drives performance. The result? Managers gets frustrated when people don't implement feedback and performance and business results suffer. It doesn't need to be this way. You can transform the way you manage and become the manager who shares direct feedback and drives results. You can get there in this course. You will become more confident and competent sharing feedback fearlessly. WHAT TO EXPECT: Tactics you can implement immediately. Sessions are loaded with lively discussion, breakout exercises, and a 27-page learning guide to both personalize and customize your learning experience. In just 3 sessions, you will have more tools in your tool belt to more effectively drive performance on your team. COURSE CONTENT: • How to speak candidly, and with care, using the Fearless Feedback Model• How to structure feedback using Headline, Observation, Ask• How to navigate reactions using HEAR• How to identify the core behavior needing to be addressed using Name It To Tame It• How to shift to a High Cadence, Low Stakes mental model• How to lay a foundation for feedback with the Relationship Kickoff Conversation• How to view feedback as information to be shared to help someone be their best• How to lead as a human with standards of excellence You can also expect: - A 27-page learning guide loaded with sample language, exercises, and reference materials to leverage well beyond the course- Videos modeling the Headline, Observation, Ask model- Video modeling how to navigate reactions to feedback- Video illustrating how to effectively kick off a feedback relationship with a new team member- Drafting feedback for real time situations you're facing How you view delivering feedback as a manager and leader will fundamentally change. You will have greater confidence and competence opening a feedback conversation, delivering direct and caring feedback, and navigating emotional reactions to your message. Invest in the skills that will truly elevate you and your team's business impact.

Drive stronger performance with actionable feedback.

Your fears and assumptions significantly impact the way you show up in a feedback conversation. When you don't feel confident, you beat around the bush. When you're worried about the reaction, you walk on egg shells. That's not conducive to impacting behavior change, nor is it kind to our team member. Let's set you up for success!

Mastering Your Feedback Mindset

Develop your ability to deliver valuable feedback leveraging the Headline, Observation, Ask model. Explore how feedback can and should escalate. Observe then practice real feedback situations. Walk away equipped to have the feedback conversations you've been putting off.

Delivering Effective Feedback Fearlessly

Even with best laid plans and intentions, feedback can still spark a reaction, let's get you ready! Simplify your approach by learning the HEAR model and then put it to work with real time practice.

Navigating Feedback Reactions

Course syllabus

Before our first session, you will have pre-session videos to view that will set us up for a strong discussion.

Pre-Work Videos & Materials

We kick off our course by exploring the impact Mindset and Relationship have on feedback delivery. Learn 1 core perspective shift, 3 mindset tactics, and then how to lead the Relationship Kickoff Conversation.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025

This will be the meatiest session with feedback model exploration and you'll walk away with new language and tools to immediately have more impactful conversations.

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Bring it all together with tools to handle reactions and even more practice and discussion to enable you to graduate as a Fearless Deliverer of Feedback.

Tuesday, February 4, 2025

Course schedule

You are a manager within a start-up &amp; pace of business can feel impossible to give real time feedback to both direct &amp; indirect reports.

You're a leader who finds yourself putting off feedback conversations out of dread, fear, or lack of confidence.

You are a manager wanting to elevate your career by distinguishing yourself as a developer of great talent.

Who will thrive in this courses:

What you can expect from this course:

You will practice addressing the hardest feedback conversations: giving feedback on defensiveness, lack of strategic thinking, a need for greater flexibility, and more. We're not practicing the easy conversations, we're focusing on the conversations we avoid most.

Practice the most difficult types of feedback conversations

Beyond the live sessions, you will walk away with an invaluable resource, the Deliver Fearless Feedback learning guide. Filled with the HOA framework, HEAR model for handling reactions, and 6 examples of sample feedback.

27-page learning guide packed with frameworks and sample langauge

You will adopt the Fearless Feedback Model and learn to operate at the intersection of Mindset, Relationship, and Delivery. These combined enable a manager and leader to say what needs to be said to help someone achieve their highest impact.

Begin delivering difficult feedback fearlessly

You'll learn to streamline your feedback using the Headline, Observation, Ask model. Each step will empower you to strategically engineer a more positive and productive reception, and perception, of your feedback.

Deconstruct the core elements of successful feedback conversations

When someone provides excuses, cries, or gets defensive, you will be equipped with the HEAR model. You will learn to stay true to your north star and not get sucked into tennis match type conversations.

Develop your ability to successfully handle reactions to feedback

You will create a new internal narrative on what it means to deliver tough feedback. You will feel empowered to engage, discuss, and share feedback that will help your people be their best, and help you drive a culture you're proud of.

Increase your confidence & competence

You will elevate to your next level of management and leadership by distinguishing yourself as someone who fearlessly develops your people to reach their best version of themselves.

Distinguish yourself as a developer of people

Transform your management by driving stronger performance through direct and actionable feedback.

Katie Ceccarini

October 2024

January 2025

As engineers, we are used to having things in our control - the outcome of the task normally depends on our implementation. Growing from senior engineer to a lead role requires a mindset shift. You become a multiplier for the team and helping others around you becomes one of the main priorities. You are not judged by your individual contribution anymore. The overall success of the team and projects is what becomes important. We will define the difference between engineering lead roles (1st week): - Overview of career paths and different options available + what you can expect- My personal recommendation for which may be the right fit for you- Main differences between Tech Lead, Team Lead and Engineering Manager We will define the exact steps you need to take to grow toward a lead role (1st and 2nd week): - How to build credibility in the engineering industry- How to let your manager know about your goals and aspirations- How to keep a brag list of all the wins that you achieve- How to become the go-to person or considered an expert in a certain engineering domain- How to manage up as an engineer- How to become a team player and a great engineer to work with- How to become business and product-minded engineer- Real world examples on how Gregor and others have grew from engineers to lead roles We will define the details to help you thrive in a lead role (2nd week): - Mistakes that Gregor has made as a first time manager- How to manage your time- How to have great 1:1 meetings- How to give feedback- How to create a great engineering culture- How to do hiring- How to build engineering teams- How to make decisions and resolve conflicts between engineers 10 exercises that will help you to apply your learnings immediately:﻿- Build your pros and cons list to help you with path selection- Become a credible engineer- Tell your manager about your goals and aspirations- Note down all the wins that you have achieved- Become the go-to engineer- Prepare your list of questions to ask before making your next technical decision- Optimize and manage your time- Fill in the agenda for the next 1:1 meeting- Checklist for a great engineering team or organization- Create a job brief for your next hire Bonus: 1. You'll receive 17 guides and templates (worth 255$) to help you to grow past senior engineer and thrive in a lead role.- Engineering Career Path Guide- Behavioral Interview List of Questions- Notion Template: Technical Specification- Notion Template: Incident Retrospective- Notion Template: Job Brief- Notion Template: 1:1 Meeting- Notion Template: Checklist for Great Engineering Organization- Notion Template: Hiring Board- Notion Template: Technical Strategy- Notion Template: List of questions to ask before making a technical decision- Notion Template: List of Achievements- Notion Template: Become a go-to person- Notion Template: Tell your manager about your goals and aspirations- Notion Template: Career Growth Plan- Notion Template: Become a credible engineer- Notion Template: Engineering Guild Space- Notion Template: Buy vs Build 2. You'll receive a yearly paid subscription to the Engineering Leadership newsletter (worth 100$). 3. A LOT of other materials for self-study and to learn further! All of the actionable insights from this course are based from Gregor's experience growing from Senior Engineer to Lead roles (Team Lead to Engineering Manager to Head of Engineering to VP of Engineering to CTO) and through countless successful projects + his network of professionals across various of different fields and disciplines.

Grow past senior engineer and develop the mindset needed for the lead role!

Provide a brief description for each module as a way to sell the value of what students will be learning throughout the course.

First Module

Second Module

Third Module

5:00pm - 6:30pm CET, 11.00am - 12.30pm EST, 8.00am - 9.30am PST

Tuesdays & Thursdays

January 21, 23, 28 and 30 2025

Optional Q&A

Senior Software Engineers who wish to learn the competencies needed to grow and thrive in the Lead role (Tech Lead (Staff), Team Lead, EM).

Ambitious Software Engineers&nbsp;that want to level up and get to know all the skills needed in order to grow and thrive in a lead role.

Everyone in the engineering lead role who wishes to thrive in the role or help their reports with actionable steps towards a lead role.

Who is this course for

What you’ll get out of this course

You'll know what are the key differences between the Team Lead, Tech Lead (Staff), Engineering Manager. I will also share my&nbsp;personal&nbsp;recommendation which may be the right fit for you.

You'll know the exact differences between engineering lead roles

Whether that is the Tech Lead (Staff), Team Lead, Engineering Manager or Architect. You'll know which path is right for you.

You'll know the exact path you wish to take for your next step in your career

You'll get actionable steps for you to work on to grow toward the lead role. We will also go through real-world examples of how I and others have grown to a lead role.

You'll know the exact steps you need to take to grow toward the engineering lead role

You'll learn and understand how to adjust your mindset and focus on good communication and team alignment. I'll be sharing also the mistakes I made as a first-time manager.

You'll know the details to help you thrive in the engineering lead role

15 guides and templates to help you grow and thrive in the lead role. Free yearly access to the Engineering Leadership newsletter and a LOT of other resources for you to learn further.

You'll get 15 guides and templates, a free paid subscription, which will give you access to a LOT of resources for self-study

Learn skills and competencies to grow beyond Senior Engineer and thrive in a lead role (Team Lead, Tech Lead (Staff), Engineering Manager).

Gregor Ojstersek

CTO and Author of Engineering Leadership newsletter (88k+ subscribers)

Cohort 3

Cohort 4

Tech leaders are remembered not just for their technical prowess, but for the lasting impact they have on their team's careers and success. This course equips both new and experienced software engineering managers with the essential skills to amplify their influence and drive team performance. Over 100 software engineers and engineering managers have already enhanced their leadership capabilities through this course. Join them and transform your approach to tech leadership. --- This interactive course will teach you how to solve 3 key problems faced by senior engineers and engineering leaders: • Identifying opportunities for growth within your team and working with your team to fill these missing gaps • Effective communication with your direct reports, peers, and upper management • Asking for and delivering constructive, actionable feedback For the duration of this course you'll receive: • 4 hours of engaging content over Zoom across two Saturdays, with interactive lessons and breakout sessions • Hands-on learning by walking through case studies and real life examples with your cohort • Templates you can immediately start using on the job • In-depth live Q&amp;A session to get immediate answers to your on-the-job questions • Recording and slides for future reference and review NEW: All current and past students will receive lifetime access to a private Discord community for tech leaders to keep the conversation going.

What makes a great engineering leader?

You'll learn how to identify growth opportunities for each team member and work one-on-one with them both on a long-term quarterly basis and during regular check-ins to ensure your team members are continuing to grow as engineers.

Developing your engineering team

You'll learn how to build influence through facing challenging conversations head-on with your engineering team, peers, and upper management.

Conflict resolution across an organization

You'll learn how to give effective feedback to your engineering team and peers to build a more effective work culture.

Giving and receiving constructive feedback

Saturday Morning

Saturday Afternoon

Choose the morning or afternoon session to fit your schedule

New and experienced engineering managers looking to build the interpersonal skills required to succeed as a leader

Technical engineering managers who want to develop their team and build influence across their company

Aspiring engineering managers looking to lay the groundwork to create an impact as an IC and future leader

Who this course is for:

After taking this course, you'll be able to:

Your success as an leader is measured by your team's execution, and to have great execution, you need a great team. We'll talk through how to identify and leverage technical and interpersonal strengths of your current team and empower your team to grow professionally.

Build and scale a high performing team

1:1s and performance reviews don't have to be stressful–my own team can back me up! I'll teach you how to keep the feedback loop active by applying my framework to conduct meaningful 1:1s and provide tactical, actionable feedback to your team on a regular cadence.

Conduct impactful 1:1s and development check-ins

Learn how to give constructive feedback from a trained therapist! I'll teach you effective communication strategies for conflict resolution within your team and building influence within your organization.

Navigate challenging conversations with peers and direct reports

Learn the 3 key skills you need to be an impactful technical leader with this interactive workshop

Kelly Vaughn

Cohort 5

MtL offers a unique learning experience for leaders in that your team is one of a cohort of teams and where YOUR CASE&nbsp;IS&nbsp;the Course in a flipped classroom. ﻿You come away with real solutions to real problems and with initiatives you can implement immediately to improve your business. Topic content, practice cases, role plays, and YOUR CASE applications are blended with real-time feedback from fellow students and instructors in ten two-hour weekly live sessions. MtL Tools and Methods make doable actions driven by seven simple truths that are otherwise anything but easy.

Your own organization is the case on which you apply MtL tools and methods. 

Ahead of our first live session, open and work through the Get Started and Ramp Up modules.

Course Opens

Plan on at least:<ul><li>40-minutes prep for live sessions</li><li>20-minutes post live sessions</li></ul>

Weekly Assignments

Weekly 2-hour live sessions on Thursdays

Your work in MtL culminates with a management presentation that you prepare and run through with at least one outside executive, factor input into your final submission, and that you turn in one week after the last live session for evalution and grading.

Management Presentation

Schedule

Professionally financed management teams driving to complete value creation initiatives.

Organization, unit, and function leaders driving change initiatives to grow faster/perform better.

Startup Entrepenuers looking to go from Powerpoint to Profits.

Leaders and their team with a change in mind to make to accomplish a mission, leave a legacy, or get promoted.

Manage to Lead is for:

MtL is a leadership team management and development system of integrated Tools & Methods to architect, build, govern, & change your business

Your mandate is what you target to achieve by when. Think of it as the game you are playing. In MtL you learn how to always know:<ul><li>Where things are now.</li><li>Why things must change.</li><li>How you want things to be.</li><li>How to get them there.</li></ul>

Master the Change Framework:

While business leaders agree that alignment is key to success, research shows that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.spiceworks.com/marketing/marketing-strategy/news/94-percent-leaders-believe-aligning-marketing-and-sales-gained-importance/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">&lt;33% say their top team is fully aligned</a>. MtL Tools and Methods, developed and honed by a team of successful CXO's, lead to clearity and alignment through collaboration.

Discover disconnects and align your team:

Determine which of five common operating models most closely matches that of your organization and draft a DO-SELL-GROW process map for the one that most constrains performance and growth.

Learn how to set up, assess, and mature key processes:

For financial and other KPIs you learn to measure performance relative to past, plan, and peers.

Decide what to watch, and how, to know how well you are doing:

Learn how to decide which initiatives to pursue first and <a href="https://intelliven.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Manage-to-Lead_FactSheet.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">what to do</a> to guarantee they will be completed on target, on time, and on budget!

Launch Strategic Inititiaves

Most people think you either lead or manage. The truth is you need to do both. The first thing a good leader needs to manage, is themself!

Cohort 14

Peter DiGiammarino

Professional CEO; Course Designer and Lead Instructor

Joyce Reynolds

MtL Course Designer and Co-Instructor

Three to six leaders, and their teams of up to seven members, from different organizations.

Lightning Lessons

How to improve Engineering Team Performance by 33%