Jun 23, 2025 7 min read

🍍 Ruthless Prioritisation, Leadership Neuroscience, Mentoring Juniors, Damn Hard IT Projects, Self-Sabotage: TMW #437

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Thanks to Aikido for sponsoring this week's TMW - an all-in-one security platform that covers you from code-to-cloud and helps you get security done.

Hello again, it's Monday!

Introducing a Team to Architecture and Design

One of my favourite discussions in the CTO Craft Slack this week revolved around a member looking for ways to improve architectural thinking in their team, leading to loosely defined designs and an inability to create extensible frameworks for clients. The team's current project-based, delivery-focused culture, coupled with individual and organisational immaturity, contributed to a "no time to plan, just build" mentality.

The discussion really emphasised this: before you roll out new tools or methods, you've got to dig into why architectural thinking isn't happening. Folks in the chat shared how often it comes down to things like mixed-up priorities or a misunderstanding of what leadership actually expects.

My key takeaways from the discussion:

Before jumping into new frameworks or tools, figure out why your team isn't currently embracing architectural thinking. This might mean getting clear on priorities, setting better expectations, or shifting from a project-by-project approach to a more long-term, product-focused one.
Once you've tackled the 'why,' bring in visual aids and documentation. C4 diagrams are a great way to give everyone a clear, shared view of your software's architecture. And for recording those important design decisions, Architectural Decision Records (ADRs) are invaluable. They help keep things consistent and build up your team's collective knowledge.
Set up a regular architecture review process with your senior team members. This isn't just about catching issues; it's a fantastic way to share knowledge, ensure designs are consistent, and really embed good architectural practices across the team.

How have you helped your team become more rational in their design and architecture processes? Have you introduced training on relevant topics?

On with the links - see you next time!

Andy @ CTO Craft

PS! The first of our Deep Dives events is coming up fast - grab your ticket while you can, and remember Campus members get in free!

From Our Sponsors

About Aikido Security

Aikido is an all-in-one security platform designed to simplify security for developers and small to mid-sized enterprises. It streamlines the entire process from code to cloud with centralised scans, smart risk triage, and minimal false positives. By making security more efficient and developer-friendly, Aikido helps teams move faster, meet compliance needs, and scale their business with confidence.

👉 Discover more here

CTO Craft Con - coming soon!

Here are all the upcoming CTO Craft Con events, along with your exclusive access code for discounted subscriber tickets - see you soon

CTO Craft Deepdives: Managing Upwards and Sideways (1 July) Free for Campus and Circles members or £199
CTO Craft Con: Berlin (23 – 24 Sep) Access code: Community-Berlin-25
CTO Craft Con: The Finance Edition (18 – 19 Nov in London) Access code: Community-Finance-25
CTO Craft Con: London 2026 (10 – 11 March 2026) Access code: Community-Spring-26

Reads of the Week

CTO Craft Mixers

Want to meet other TMW subscribers and CTO Craft Community members in your city? See all upcoming Mixers in cities around the world here.

Leadership, Strategy & Business

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That’s it!

If you’d like to be considered for the free CTO Craft Community, fill in your details here, and we’ll be in touch!

https://ctocraft.com/community

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Please do remember to share this link if you know of anyone who’d like to receive TMW:

https://techmanagerweekly.com

Have an amazing week!

Andy