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Equity of Value in Engineering: Bridging the Gap Between Innovation and Maintenance with Jeff Hampton

In this episode of the Engineering Leadership Series, Jeff Hampton shares his insights on the importance of equity of value within engineering teams. He draws from his career, including roles at Sony PlayStation, Apollo GraphQL, and Roblox, to discuss the challenges and strategies for fostering a culture of equal opportunity and recognition for all team members.

Jeff discusses the concept of equity of value in engineering teams. He explains that it's not about equal work but ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to be appreciated, heard, and recognized for their contributions. Jeff recalls his experience leading a team and how he learned the importance of equity over time.

The conversation shifts to how organizations often have individuals or teams focused on innovation and those responsible for day-to-day operations and maintenance. Jeff highlights the need for leaders to acknowledge the importance of both types of work and provide equal opportunities for recognition and growth.

Jeff mentions the danger of imbalances in how different roles are perceived within an organization. He points out that using terms like "throwaway work" can create a divide between teams and lead to a lack of appreciation for certain contributions.

Jeff discusses the potential outcomes of neglecting certain areas of work within an organization. He suggests that the best-case scenario is abandonment, where teams or projects are left to stagnate. However, even in this scenario, it's essential to consider the impact on the employees and the organization.

Another option Jeff explores is the idea of de-risking and possibly outsourcing certain areas of work. However, he emphasizes the importance of a thoughtful transition plan that considers on-call responsibilities and dependencies to avoid creating more problems in the long run.

Jeff underscores the role of leadership in shaping the culture and values within an organization. He emphasizes that leadership should prioritize culture and ensure that all contributions, whether innovation or maintenance, are valued and recognized.

The episode wraps up with key takeaways, including the importance of applying equal pressure to all aspects of work and providing opportunities for team members to establish their key results. Jeff encourages organizations to prioritize culture and recognize the value of all contributions to drive sustainable innovation.

In conclusion, Jeff Hampton's discussion sheds light on the critical need for equity of value in engineering teams. By recognizing and appreciating all team members' contributions, organizations can foster a culture that promotes sustainable innovation and success.

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