Episode 474: I hate the idea of firing a low performer and cheaper context switching

In episode 474 of Soft Skills Engineering, Jamison and Dave address listener questions related to software engineering. The first question tackles the challenge of firing an underperforming employee, offering advice on how to approach the situation with empathy while ensuring team productivity. They stress the importance of clear communication and setting expectations. The second question explores strategies for managing context switching, a common issue for tech leads juggling coding and team support. They discuss techniques for improving focus and prioritizing tasks to minimize the impact of frequent interruptions, emphasizing the importance of broader business context and efficient planning.

Outlines

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Soft Skills Engineering

Introduction and Listener Follow-Up

Addressing a Management Dilemma: How to Handle a Non-Performing Employee

Best Practices for Letting Someone Go and Communicating with the Team

Strategies for Reducing Context Switching Costs as a Tech Lead

Leveraging Tech Lead Role and Alternative Approaches to Improve Context Switching

Episode 474: I hate the idea of firing a low performer and cheaper context switching

Soft Skills Engineering

00:05Introduction and Listener Follow-Up

Introduction and Listener Follow-Up

07:54Addressing a Management Dilemma: How to Handle a Non-Performing Employee

Addressing a Management Dilemma: How to Handle a Non-Performing Employee

15:32Best Practices for Letting Someone Go and Communicating with the Team

Best Practices for Letting Someone Go and Communicating with the Team

23:25Strategies for Reducing Context Switching Costs as a Tech Lead

Strategies for Reducing Context Switching Costs as a Tech Lead

30:06Leveraging Tech Lead Role and Alternative Approaches to Improve Context Switching

Leveraging Tech Lead Role and Alternative Approaches to Improve Context Switching