Going Direct

Overview
James Stanier explains why engineering leaders should bypass traditional org-chart routes and communicate directly with the people who need the information. By cutting through hierarchical bottlenecks, teams can move faster, make better decisions, and stay aligned.

Key Takeaways

• Direct communication reduces delays caused by layers of management.
• Trust and clarity increase when leaders share information without over-reliance on formal structures.
• Establish clear guidelines to avoid chaos while still encouraging openness.
• Use tools and rituals (e.g., open office hours, Slack channels) to facilitate transparent dialogue.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers looking to improve velocity.
• Senior leaders who want to foster a culture of openness.
• Team leads seeking better alignment across squads.
• Anyone interested in modernizing communication practices in tech orgs.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• No specific framework is prescribed, but the advice aligns with lean communication and Agile principles.