AI for Engineering Leads

Copy-paste prompts for 1:1s, reviews, planning, and leadership. Lead your team more effectively.

Prepare meaningful 1:1 conversations
Write fair performance reviews
Document technical decisions
Communicate with stakeholders
Build consistent hiring processes
Navigate difficult conversations

Engineering Leadership Prompts

1:1s

1:1 Meeting Prep

Prepare meaningful 1:1 conversations

Help me prepare for a 1:1 with [team member name/role].

Context:
- Tenure: [how long on team]
- Recent work: [projects they've been on]
- Last 1:1 topics: [brief summary]
- Any concerns: [if any]

Generate:
1. 3 questions about their current work
2. 2 questions about their growth/career
3. 2 questions about team/process
4. 1 question to build rapport
5. Topics I should proactively address
6. Signs to watch for (engagement, burnout, etc.)
Performance

Performance Review Writer

Write balanced, actionable reviews

Write a performance review for [name], [role].

Period: [timeframe]
Key projects: [list major work]
Strengths observed: [list them]
Growth areas: [list them]
Peer feedback themes: [if available]

Write a review that includes:
1. Summary assessment (2-3 sentences)
2. Key accomplishments with specific examples
3. Strengths to continue leveraging
4. Areas for growth with actionable suggestions
5. Goals for next period
6. Overall rating recommendation with justification

Tone: Constructive, specific, balanced
Planning

Technical Decision Document

Structure technical decisions clearly

Create a technical decision document for: [describe the decision]

Context:
- Problem: [what we're solving]
- Constraints: [time, resources, tech]
- Stakeholders: [who cares]

Include:
1. **Problem Statement** - What and why
2. **Options Considered** - At least 3 options
3. **Evaluation Criteria** - How we're judging
4. **Analysis** - Pros/cons of each option
5. **Recommendation** - What and why
6. **Risks & Mitigations**
7. **Implementation Plan** - High-level steps
8. **Decision** - Final call (or process to decide)
Communication

Team Update Email

Keep stakeholders informed effectively

Write a team update email for [project/team].

Audience: [leadership/cross-functional/etc.]
Period: [last week/sprint/month]
Key updates:
- Completed: [list items]
- In progress: [list items]
- Blocked: [list items]
- Metrics: [any relevant numbers]

Format:
1. TL;DR (1-2 sentences)
2. Wins this period
3. Progress on key initiatives
4. Blockers & asks
5. Coming up next
6. Shoutouts (optional)

Keep it scannable and under 300 words.
Hiring

Interview Rubric Creator

Build consistent interview scorecards

Create an interview rubric for [role title].

Level: [junior/mid/senior/staff]
Key skills needed: [list them]
Interview type: [technical/behavioral/system design]

For each skill, provide:
1. What to assess
2. Sample questions (2-3)
3. What "strong" looks like
4. What "weak" looks like
5. Red flags to watch for

Also include:
- Scoring scale (1-4 with definitions)
- Must-have vs nice-to-have signals
- Calibration notes
Leadership

Difficult Conversation Prep

Navigate tough discussions professionally

Help me prepare for a difficult conversation about [topic].

Context:
- Person: [role/relationship]
- Situation: [what happened]
- Goal: [desired outcome]
- Their likely perspective: [if known]

Provide:
1. Opening statement (direct but empathetic)
2. Key points to make (with specific examples)
3. Questions to understand their view
4. Potential objections and responses
5. Path to resolution
6. Follow-up actions
7. What NOT to say

Keep the tone: professional, direct, compassionate

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