Tactics for Tech Leadership (TTL)

In perhaps the final episode of The TTL Podcast, Andy and Mon-Chaio reflect back on their journey, relive favorite episodes, and ponder what the future might hold, for each of them individually as well as the podcast.

 In this episode of the Tactics for Tech Leadership Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss common questions that CFOs, CEOs, and other stakeholders should pose to the technical leaders within their organizations. Based on a blog post from payslip.com, the discussion focuses on how CFOs can inquire about tech investments' cost efficiency, agility, flexibility, and security. The conversation emphasizes developing thoughtful questioning processes and the importance of mutual understanding between roles.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/06/10/s3e20-beyond-the-code-your-tech-the-bottom-line/ReferencesTech Questions a CFO Should Be Asking - https://payslip.com/resources/blog/tech-questions-a-cfo-should-be-asking/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss the future of their podcast as they prepare for significant changes in their professional lives. They explore various ideas for continuing the podcast, including changing the format, inviting guests, or even pausing it. They use the 'Six Thinking Hats' technique to brainstorm and evaluate these options, aiming to find the best path forward.

 A vacationcast where Andy ruminates on  AI coding assistants. He draws on an article re wrote in 2007 on autonomic computing. Emphasis is placed on the essential roles and responsibilities of software engineers, differentiating them from AI systems. Andy shares personal experiences and observations of using tools like AI coding assistants, highlighting potential pitfalls and benefits. He concludes with some thoughts on a possibly useful pattern to follow when working with the assistants that keeps the software engineer responsible for the engineering.ReferencesAutonomic Computing - https://zaphod42.livejournal.com/45717.html

 In this episode of The Tactics for Tech Leadership Podcast, the hosts discuss personal computer issues (and a missing episode!) before diving into the main topic: the continued search for a system. They review the DevOps Research and Assessment (DORA) model, its methodology, and its continuous improvement efforts. Comparing it to other models like CMM and TSP, they conclude that DORA provides a more comprehensive and scientifically-backed system for understanding and improving organizational performance. The hosts also explore DORA's latest insights, including the impact of AI on software delivery, emphasizing the importance of continuous improvement and mindful interventions based on DORA's findings. The episode provides actionable advice on leveraging DORA's research for tech leadership and maintaining organizational health.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/05/20/s3e17-systematic-insights-doras-role-in-diagnosing/ReferencesThe Role of Continuous Delivery in IT and Organizational Performance - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/302567338_THE_ROLE_OF_CONTINUOUS_DELIVERY_IN_IT_AND_ORGANIZATIONAL_PERFORMANCEDORA Research publications - https://dora.dev/research/

With Andy away, Mon-Chaio dives into the topic of what it means to be a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) in today's diverse tech landscape. Inspired by a recent conversation with a venture capitalist, Mon-Chaio reflects on the wide range of skills and experiences that different CTOs bring to the table. He discusses the various types of CTOs, from deeply technical experts to those who primarily manage vendor relationships. This episode questions how well communities designed for CTO networking really serve their members given their vastly different roles and day-to-day tasks. Don’t miss this reflective and thought-provoking episode.

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy discuss the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) and its implications for software development organizations. They explore why CMM was chosen for this episode and its connection to previous topics such as the Team Software Process. The conversation delves into the maturity levels defined by CMMI, from 'incomplete' to 'optimizing,' and explores whether the lack of a 'why' behind processes affects the model's utility. The discussion detours into how modern tools like Large Language Models (LLMs) and Copilot can impact software development, highlighting both their benefits and limitations. It ends with reflections on continuous improvement and how organizations can leverage CMM and LLMs for better outcomes.ReferencesCapability Maturity Model for Software, Version 1.1Capability Maturity Model® Integration (CMMI), Version 1.1The Capability Im-Maturity Model (CIMM)

 In this special 'vacation cast' episode, Andy shares an important announcement.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/21/s3e15-vacationcast-an-announcement/

Andy and Mon-Chaio continue their journey into organizational models by discussing the Team Software Process (TSP). They touch briefly on the origins and history of TSP, its relationship with the Capability Maturity Model (CMM) from Carnegie Mellon, and how it helps teams organize their software development processes. The discussion takes a turn to the philisophical as they explore the empirical nature of TSP, its focus on measurement, and the importance of data-driven decisions. They also debate whether TSP qualifies as a true system of knowledge. By the end, listeners will gain insights into the practical applications of TSP and why it might prompt them to re-evaluate their own measurement practices.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/15/s3e14-does-the-empiricism-of-tsp-provide-a-path-forward/ReferencesThe Team Software Process - https://insights.sei.cmu.edu/documents/645/2000_005_001_13754.pdfUsing TSP Data to Evaluate Your Project Performance - https://apps.dtic.mil/sti/tr/pdf/ADA537112.pdfRationalism vs. Empiricism - https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/rationalism-empiricism/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive into the intriguing concept of 'Alien Chess' and its relation to leadership and organizational diagnosis. They reflect on its connection with the four spheres of knowledge discussed in the previous episode and critically analyze its validity as a system within organizations. They draw parallels from the Cynefin framework, extreme programming, and real-world applications, debating whether alien chess is a useful model or leads to high-functioning, learned helplessness. Join the discussion on the balance between strategic planning and adaptable responses in leadership and technology sectors.ReferencesThe Resilience of Alien ChessCynefin frameworkThe Parable of Alien Chess

 In this episode of Tactics for Tech Leadership, Andy and Mon-Chaio dive into the discipline of organizational diagnosis through the lens of the paper 'Organizational Diagnosis: an Evidence-Based Approach' by McFillen, Balzer, Varney, and O'Neil. They discuss the need for a rigorous approach to diagnosis in organizational design and change. The focus is on understanding the four spheres of knowledge: standards, solutions, symptoms, and systems. These spheres provide a structured approach to making evidence-based diagnoses. The hosts emphasize the importance of coherence in systems and how teams can implement this structured thinking into their practices to ensure organizational health. The conversation provides insights and actionable advice for technical leaders aiming to improve their diagnostic practices and organizational change efforts.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/04/01/s3e12-the-4-spheres-of-knowledge-for-diagnosis/ ReferencesOrganizational Diagnosis: An Evidence-based Approach - https://www.researchgate.net/publication/239796277_Organizational_Diagnosis_An_Evidence-based_ApproachThe history of the theory of the circulation of the blood - https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.3233/CH-168031

In this episode of The TTL Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy dive deep into the world of employee surveys. They discuss whether these surveys truly work, their best practices, and the research behind them. Exploring the role of culture in company performance, they uncover the nuances of implementing and interpreting surveys. The episode provides actionable insights for leaders aiming to diagnose and improve their organizational culture.ReferencesMeasuring employee engagement and interpreting survey resultsEmployee Survey Research: A Critical Review of Theory and PracticeDiagnosing organizational cultures: A conceptual and empirical review of culture effectiveness surveysFollowing Up on Employee Surveys: A Conceptual Framework and Systematic Review

 In this Tactics for Tech Leadership podcast episode, Andy and Mon-Chaio explore SWIFT (Structured What If Technique). While traditionally seen as a technical tool for failure analysis, the hosts consider its potential applications in leadership and organizational contexts. Listeners will learn how SWIFT can help anticipate system failures even before they occur, from technical systems like Redis caches to social-technical systems like performance reviews and hiring processes. By the end, you'll understand how to adapt this structured method for diagnosing issues and improving both technical and organizational systems.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/03/18/s3e10-swiftly-understanding-failure-modes/ReferencesSWIFT - https://www.asems.mod.uk/toolkit/swift

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve deep into the nuances of accountability at high organizational levels, particularly within the C-suite. They explore the challenges of holding executives accountable for outcomes, especially when their roles and processes are not fully understood by their peers. The conversation includes discussions on the differences between process and outcome accountability and how each can be applied depending on the context. Ultimately, they highlight the importance of team cohesion, shared goals, and trust in building a high-performance, accountable organization.ReferencesRadical CandorWe Hold Ourselves Accountable: A Relational View of Team AccountabilityThe Best Teams Hold Themselves AccountableThe Effect of Outcome vs. Process Accountability-Focus on Performance: A Meta-AnalysisAccountability Systems and Group Norms: Balancing the Risks of Mindless Conformity and Reckless Deviation

 Andy and Mon-Chaio explore Patrick Lencioni's concept of the five dysfunctions of a team, discussing how absence of trust, fear of conflict, lack of commitment, avoidance of accountability, and inattention to results interrelate to impact team performance. They reflect on their own experiences and the importance of productive conflict, peer accountability, and commitment to collective success. Listeners will learn how examining organizational structure and culture can address these dysfunctions and improve team dynamics. Andy and Mon-Chaio also stumble upon the topic for the next episode on holding individuals accountable in areas outside one’s expertise.Transcript: https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/03/04/s3e8-5-dysfunctions-of-a-team/References: 5 Dysfunctions of a Team PDF resource - https://files.tablegroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/11224029/FiveDysfunctions.pdf 5 Dysfunctions of a Team - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Five_Dysfunctions_of_a_Team Team Effectiveness: A Validation Study of Lencioni's Five Functions of a Team - https://lib.manaraa.com/books/A%20validation%20study%20of%20Lencioni's%20five%20functions%20of%20a%20team.pdf

In this week's episode of The TTL Podcast, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve into Ron Westrom's influential paper, "A Typology of Organizational Cultures." The hosts unpack the compelling insights and frameworks posited by Westrom, which categorize organizational cultures into Pathological, Bureaucratic, and Generative types. Mon-Chaio and Andy also share personal anecdotes and practical examples, such as dealing with software bugs, to illustrate the distinctions between local fix and inquiry-based approaches. They highlight the critical role of leadership and the importance of having a curious and improvement-focused mindset.References A typology of organisational cultures Accelerate S1E14: The Undeserved Malignment of Bureaucracy Culture Series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)

In this first VacationCast episode of Season 3, with Andy out, Mon-Chaio dives into the complexities of mentorship, particularly within workplace relationships. He explores the differences between peer-to-peer mentoring and manager-direct report mentoring, the potential pitfalls of using the term 'mentorship' for career development or performance feedback, and the impact of these practices on genuine employee growth and leadership development.ReferencesSeason 1, Episode 13: "The Feedback Fallacy?"Season 2, Episode 41: "Improvement Beyond Podcasts - The Art of Deliberate Practice"Season 2, Episode 16: "Misleader Majority"

Andy and Mon-Chaio explore the dense yet insightful book 'Action Science' by Chris Argyris. They discuss Argyris's method of developing self-knowledge to break existing norms and achieve actionable knowledge. The conversation covers the core principles and propositions of action science, including the importance of understanding one's reasoning, questioning underlying assumptions, and fostering mutual learning. Tune in to discover how self-awareness can transform not just individuals but entire organizations. Transcript - https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/02/04/s3e4-action-science/ References Action Science - https://actiondesign.com/resources/readings/action-science The School of Life - https://www.theschooloflife.com/ Episode on Future Search - https://thettlpodcast.com/2025/01/28/s3e3-future-search/

In this episode, Mon-Chaio and Andy delve into the concept of Future Search, a powerful methodology for driving organizational change. They discuss the essence of Future Search, its origins from Marvin Weisbord’s book 'Productive Workplaces Revisited,' and explore why it's crucial to involve the whole system in problem-solving. The episode provides insights into the past, present, and future focus essential in the Future Search method and offers actionable tactics for effective implementation in technical organizations. References Productive Workplaces Revisited

 In this episode, Andy and Mon Chiao explore differential diagnosis. They clarify what differential diagnosis truly entails and how it can be applied in technical settings, particularly within software teams. The hosts illustrate its importance through real-world scenarios, emphasizing the balance between gathering information and taking corrective action, the consequences of different types of misdiagnoses, and the significance of judgment in the problem-solving process. Listeners will learn the surprising ways in which multiple causes can coexist and the implications for diagnosis and treatment within teams. References MIT OpenCourseware Lecture - https://ocw.mit.edu/courses/6-s897-machine-learning-for-healthcare-spring-2019/resources/lecture-11-differential-diagnosis/ Outlining the Design Space of Explainable Intelligent Systems for Medical Diagnosis - https://arxiv.org/pdf/1902.06019