Service-Level Objectives (SLOs) play a pivotal role in SRE. These carefully defined targets guide teams in delivering reliable services to their users. However, a curious phenomenon often emerges: when teams consistently overachieve on their SLOs, those exceptional performance levels can inadvertently become the new, implicit expectations. This is the overachievement paradox, and it warrants a closer examination. Understanding the Dynamics of SLOs and Expectations SLOs are not arbitrary targets but are rooted in user expectations and business needs....

In the world of software engineering, seniority is often associated with years of experience, technical expertise, and a proven track record of success. While these factors undoubtedly play a role, many overlook a hidden truth: true seniority is not just about what you’ve accomplished, but also about the failures you’ve encountered and the lessons you’ve learned from them. The F-Word in Software Engineering Failure, a word often met with dread and disappointment, is an inevitable part of any creative endeavor, and software engineering is no exception....

As software engineers, there’s a common misconception that our value lies solely in our ability to code. We’re often portrayed as keyboard warriors, churning out lines of text that magically transform into working software. While coding is undoubtedly a valuable skill, it’s not the defining characteristic of a good engineer. At its core, engineering is about problem-solving. We’re paid to analyze complex situations, identify root causes, and devise effective solutions. Sometimes, those solutions involve writing code....

As someone who’s spent a fair bit of time in the platform engineering trenches, I’ve seen my share of successes and failures. But if there’s one lesson that stands out above the rest, it’s this: platform engineering is fundamentally about building a product for your fellow engineers. Fail to recognize that, and you’re setting yourself up for a world of pain. The Platform as a Product It’s easy to get caught up in the technical details of building and maintaining a platform....

Engineering teams are the backbone of innovation and product development in the intricate world of technology. At the helm stands the engineering manager, a role with the power to propel a team to greatness or lead it into utter dysfunction. Sadly, the engineering world is rife with tales of both stellar and disastrous engineering managers – and for good reason. Common Traits of Ineffective Engineering Managers Let’s explore two of the most destructive traits found in poor engineering leaders....