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How to zoom out (and when to stop)

A practical guide for engineers and new engineering leaders on expanding their scope effectively, recognizing when to change their perspective, and maintaining the right balance between strategic thinking and technical depth.

Speakers: Neef Rehman

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June 25, 2025

A practical guide for engineers and new engineering leaders on expanding their scope effectively, recognizing when to change their perspective, and maintaining the right balance between strategic thinking and technical depth.

As you progress in your career, you will likely face a common challenge: broadening your scope while continuing to ensure consistent delivery. This change isn’t just about moving _up_ a ladder, it’s about developing the ability to zoom _out_ and navigate between different levels of abstraction and a wider set of disciplines. From executing sprints to planning them, managing people, ensuring product alignment, and supporting cross-functional relationships.

This talk explores the natural evolution of scope, from taking on a higher-level approach to technical work, to planning successful delivery cycles. We will examine the signs that indicate it’s time to zoom out and take a broader perspective, such as recurring problems in teams or misaligned product decisions. Just as importantly, we’ll discuss the risks of zooming out too far and losing touch with day-to-day execution.

Key takeaways

  • How to spot the signals that indicate when you need to broaden your perspective or refocus on execution
  • What techniques there are for maintaining effectiveness across different levels of abstraction
  • How to avoid pitfalls like analysis paralysis or disconnection from technical reality
  • How to building strong cross-functional relationships and align technical work with product vision