How to become a staff+ engineer

Becoming a staff+ engineer requires focus, prioritization, and a growth mindset. Learn the key skills and strategies you need to succeed, from setting technical direction to fostering a culture of inclusion and continuous learning.

Key takeaways
  • Set a high level, focus on high-impact work, and prioritize your time wisely.
  • Identify and leverage your strengths, and don’t be afraid to delegate tasks that are not aligned with your skills and interests.
  • Communicate effectively with stakeholders, be transparent, and adapt to feedback.
  • Develop a deep understanding of the business and its problems, and use this knowledge to inform technical decisions.
  • Set technical direction and prioritize initiatives that drive business value.
  • Foster a culture of experimentation, learning, and growth.
  • Lead by example, and encourage others to take ownership of their work.
  • Demonstrate your capabilities through a series of small wins, rather than a single big project.
  • Seek out opportunities to grow and learn, and find sponsors who can support your career goals.
  • Prioritize your well-being and work-life balance.
  • Be adaptable, resilient, and open to feedback and criticism.
  • Foster a culture of inclusion and diversity, and actively seek out diverse perspectives and ideas.
  • Develop a strong network of peers and mentors who can support and advise you.
  • Be proactive in seeking out opportunities for growth, and don’t wait for others to recognize your potential.
  • Set clear expectations and goals, and regularly communicate your progress and achievements.
  • Prioritize effective communication, and be willing to listen to feedback and adapt your approach accordingly.
  • Focus on building a strong foundation of technical skills and expertise, and continue to grow and learn over time.
  • Develop a growth mindset, and be willing to take calculated risks and learn from failures.
  • Seek out opportunities to work on high-impact projects, and prioritize initiatives that drive business value.