Glossary

Words and phrases I use often. If you've heard me say something in a meeting and weren't sure what I meant, it's probably here. Each term includes a brief explanation of what I mean when I use it.

# 5on2

Talk for 5 minutes about any work you have today that will take 2 hours or more. Prevents roadblocks and wasted time doing the wrong work.

Credit: Chance Smith

# Cognitive Load

Engineers do their best work when they can focus deeply. Spreading people across too many contexts degrades quality and morale. Guard your team's attention.

# Log the Error When It's Handled

Don't log errors at every layer they pass through. Log them once, at the point where you actually handle them.

# No Snacking

Focus on what matters. Don't fill time with low-impact busywork that feels productive but doesn't move the needle.

Credit: Will Larson

# Team Topologies

Teams should be aligned to business domains, not technical layers. This reduces handoffs and gives teams real ownership of outcomes.

# Work Out Loud

Share your work often for accountability and feedback. Don't work on an island — give a pulse of what you're doing and what's going on.

Credit: Chance Smith