Authority Gradients

Overview
The article "Authority Gradients" explores how authority is distributed within technical teams, the impact of informal hierarchies, and practical ways for leaders to manage and flatten authority gradients to improve collaboration and decision-making.

Key Takeaways

• Authority gradients often arise unintentionally and can hinder fast decision-making.
• Recognize and surface hidden sources of authority in teams.
• Use transparent decision frameworks to balance formal and informal influence.
• Encourage psychological safety so team members feel empowered to speak up.
• Apply lightweight rituals to continuously assess and adjust authority distribution.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers and directors
• Technical leads and senior engineers
• CTOs and VP of Engineering
• Product managers working closely with technical teams

Frameworks and Methodologies

• RACI matrix for clarifying roles
• Decision-making ladder
• Psychological safety assessments