Engineering teams in 2025 look different.

Hybrid work, distributed leadership, and constant change. But one thing hasn’t changed: navigating workplace politics is tricky.

In this episode, Duncan Mapes and Jason Ehmke get real about how engineers can build influence without playing power games. From handling peer dynamics to understanding leadership intent, they share frameworks that help you stay effective and aligned.

This conversation started with a listener’s question, and it sparked insights every individual contributor and engineering leader should hear. Whether you’re trying to give feedback, manage relationships, or earn trust on your team, this episode will change how you think about workplace dynamics.

Top Insights:

• There are appropriate times to push back against leadership decisions.
• Understanding the reasoning behind leadership decisions is crucial.
• Taking ownership in projects can lead to greater influence and responsibility.
• Building relationships with peers and managers is essential for effective communication.
• Constructive feedback should focus on helping others succeed, not criticizing them.
• Examine your intent before providing feedback to ensure it's constructive.
• Curiosity and humility are key when challenging leadership decisions.
• Alignment within teams is necessary for fast and effective decision-making.
• Navigating peer relationships requires transparency and communication.
• Encouraging audience engagement can lead to valuable discussions.

Connect with us:

Duncan Mapes

Jason Ehmke

DevGrid.io

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