Finding Signal in the Noise: The art of Execution

Thursday, 1:00 PM EST

In tech teams it's a constant firefight. We react. Then we react to the reaction… the cycle continues. In all this noise, in all this chaos, how do we move forward. How do we remain proactive?

A great leader must be an enabler for the team. At times this means insulating the team from the noise. At other times it means improving the environment for the team. At all times, however, it requires setting clear priorities and conditions for success.

This session is focused on the art of moving forward in even the noisiest environments.

Technical Leader Checklist

Thursday, 2:30 PM EST

Inevitably, talented engineers find themselves in a leadership position (whether it's explicitly part of their title or not). Making that transition from a contributor role to a leadership or management role can be tough.

There are a handful of skills and qualities that make a great leader. This keynote explores those qualities, how to develop and strengthen them, and exercises to continue your personal growth long after the session ends.

Effective Leadership - The Six Principles of Persuasion

Thursday, 4:00 PM EST

Whether you want to effect culture change in your organization, lead the transition toward a new technology, or simply get more out of your team; you must first understand that having a “good idea” is simply the beginning. An idea must be communicated; a case must be made. Communicating that case well is as important, if not more so, than the strength of the idea itself.

You will learn 6 principles to make an optimal case and dramatically increase the odds that the other person will say “Yes” to your requests and suggestions, along with several strategies to build consensus within your teams. As a professional mentalist, Michael has been a student of psychology, human behavior and the principles of influence for nearly two decades. There are universal principles of influence that are necessary to both understand and leverage if you want to be more effective leader of change in your organization.

Cautionary Tales of Dysfunctional Leadership

Friday, 11:00 AM EST

Participation in dysfunctional teams is virtually a universal experience. We've almost all experienced it, but it can be so nebulous and difficult to articulate what makes it so.

This session identifies several dysfunctions with relatable, real-world examples. From here we explore how to overcome these types of dysfunctional leadership and team dynamics. You'll leave this session with techniques, exercises, and insights on how to effect real change in your teams.

Leadership: How to be a Force Multiplier

Friday, 1:00 PM EST

Great leaders inspire, excite, and empower those in their teams. These leaders help create a team that is more than the sum of it's parts; in short, a great leader can be a force multiplier for the team.

But what makes these force multipliers? Is it simply raw talent? Charisma? How are these leaders different from the bad leaders who become bottlenecks and roadblocks?

In this session, we explore the answer to that question and identify the skills and principles that create force multipliers. Put these skills into action and you can be one too!

Managing Tech Teams: Rules, Tools & Insights

Friday, 2:30 PM EST

Software projects can be difficult to manage. Managing teams of developers can be even difficult. We've created countless processes, methodologies, and practices but the underlying problems remain the same.

This session is full of practical tips and tricks to deal with the reallife situations any tech leader regularly encounters. Put these techniques into practice and create an enviable culture and an outstanding development team. At the same time, you'll avoid common management mistakes and pitfalls.