Is engineering strategy useful?

Overview
The article examines why every engineering organization implicitly has a strategy, even when it is not formally documented, and makes the case that writing down the strategy creates significant benefits for teams and leaders.

Key Takeaways

• An engineering strategy always exists in practice, even if it is invisible.
• Written strategy improves alignment, learning, and decision-making across the organization.
• Lack of documented strategy can lead to hidden pain and inconsistent outcomes.
• Documenting strategy helps engineers develop personal learning and career growth.
• Real-world examples (e.g., Stripe's pillar-based strategy) illustrate how concrete guidelines drive impact.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers and directors looking to clarify team direction.
• Senior technical leaders who need to influence organization-wide decisions.
• Individual contributors interested in understanding the strategic context of their work.
• Product leaders collaborating with engineering teams.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Pillar-based engineering strategy (as used at Stripe).
• Written strategy documentation and distribution.
• Strategy as a learning tool for personal development.