Staff Engineer by Will Larson is the book I wish I had come across earlier in my journey. As a software engineer, I’ve often found that most resources for growth seem heavily focused on the management track, leaving those of us who want to remain deeply technical without clear guidance. Larson’s book is a breath of fresh air—it’s direct, insightful, and most importantly, it treats technical leadership as a distinct, respected path.

• The Four Archetypes of a Staff Engineer

Larson introduces four archetypes: the Tech Lead, Architect, Solver, and Right Hand. Each of these represents a different way to contribute as a staff engineer, and they were enlightening. The “Solver” archetype particularly resonated with me—engineers who are brought in to tackle the thorniest technical challenges, regardless of ownership or team lines. Larson doesn’t pigeonhole you into one of these categories; instead, he explains how your role might evolve across these depending on the needs of your organization. It helped me see where I naturally gravitate and where I could stretch to offer more to my team.

• The Transition from Execution to Influence

One of the most challenging aspects of technical leadership, as Larson points out, is that it’s no longer just about getting your own work done well. The focus shifts to multiplying your impact by influencing decisions, guiding others, and fostering an environment where your team can execute effectively. This resonated deeply because I’ve often felt the tension between “doing” and “influencing.” Larson provides practical advice on navigating this shift, emphasizing that building trust and maintaining credibility are key. His suggestions for honing influence without formal authority gave me a new perspective on how to handle this transition with confidence.

• The Importance of Mentorship and Sponsorship

Larson emphasizes the significance of becoming a mentor and sponsor to other engineers. It’s not just about sharing technical knowledge but also about empowering others to take ownership and grow. This is something I’ve experienced firsthand: how investing in others strengthens the team overall. Larson describes how mentorship as a staff engineer can be transformative, both for the mentee and the mentor. I found this to be one of the most inspiring sections—it reframed how I see mentorship as not only a duty but a key aspect of thriving in a senior technical role.

• Navigating Organizational Dynamics

Larson’s advice on understanding and working within organizational dynamics is incredibly grounded. He dives into topics like handling competing priorities, dealing with organizational politics, and managing cross-functional relationships. It’s not something many technical books address, but Larson’s experience as an engineer and leader brings this complex world into focus. I appreciated his advice on getting buy-in from stakeholders and understanding the goals and incentives driving different parts of the organization. This section reminded me of the importance of seeing the bigger picture beyond the code, and Larson’s insights here felt like hard-won lessons that can only come from years of experience.

• Crafting a Unique Path within the Staff Engineer Role

Larson doesn’t promote a one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, he encourages staff engineers to chart their unique course, one that’s aligned with their strengths and the needs of their organization. This point is empowering. Larson makes it clear that the role of a staff engineer is flexible, and there’s room to shape it in ways that are personally meaningful. This idea of tailoring the role to fit individual strengths while still adding value to the team resonated deeply, as it aligns with my own goals of staying technical while building influence.

• Practical Advice on Communication and Decision-Making

The book also digs into communication strategies that help staff engineers effectively convey complex ideas to non-technical stakeholders. Larson discusses how to frame technical decisions in terms of business outcomes, which is crucial for gaining support. His tips on improving written and verbal communication skills were straightforward yet powerful, reinforcing that being technically skilled is only part of the journey. Being able to communicate that skill and reasoning to others is equally critical.

Staff Engineer didn’t just validate my desire to remain on the technical path; it provided a structured, achievable framework for excelling in this role. Larson’s insights felt as though they came from someone who truly understands what it’s like to be in the trenches—working through technical issues while also needing to think at a higher, organizational level. I found myself frequently pausing to reflect on my own journey and to consider how I can bring more influence and support to those around me.

If you’re considering or already on the staff engineer track, this book offers invaluable guidance and reassurance. It’s like having a mentor guide you through the intricacies of leadership on the technical path, helping you see that true impact is often achieved without formal titles, but with commitment, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility to those around you.