Episode 148 - “They Should Know” Is Killing Your Career

Most engineers don’t struggle because of technical gaps. They struggle because they rely on what others “should” do instead of taking ownership of the outcome. In this episode, Steve and Jake break down why that mindset stalls your career and how to replace it with a standard that actually drives results. Not theory, practical, tactical advice you can apply immediately to lead better, communicate clearly, and execute at a higher level.

Key Topics Covered

• Why the word “should” is one of the most dangerous habits in engineering
• The hidden cost of relying on others to “just know” what to do
• How ownership separates high performers from average contributors
• Why leadership, communication, and ownership are inseparable
• The difference between expecting outcomes vs ensuring outcomes
• How to audit yourself before blaming teammates, vendors, or clients
• Why most “time constraints” are actually priority decisions
• The trap of staying in your lane instead of driving the full outcome
• How top engineers remove ambiguity instead of complaining about it
• When ownership means changing people, systems, or strategy

Actionable Steps

• Eliminate “they should” from your vocabulary immediately
• Before escalating an issue, ask: have I done everything required to make this succeed?
• Over-communicate expectations until there is zero ambiguity
• Break down complex requirements into simple, actionable steps for others
• Identify what actually drives the outcome, then prioritize it aggressively
• Audit your time daily and cut low-value distractions
• If you lack time, either reprioritize or communicate for more resources
• Ask one simple question: does this increase or decrease the likelihood of success?
• Step outside your role when needed to ensure the team wins
• If outcomes still fail after full ownership, evaluate people, process, or structure

Who This Episode Is For

• Engineers early in their career who feel stuck or overlooked
• High performers frustrated with teammates, vendors, or leadership
• Engineers moving into leadership who need to own outcomes, not tasks
• Anyone blaming external factors instead of driving results
• Professionals who want more control over their career trajectory

Why It Matters

Your career is built on outcomes, not intentions. When you stop relying on what others should do and start ensuring what must be done, everything changes. Your visibility increases. Your results improve. And your reputation shifts from contributor to leader.

Where to Listen

Spotify
Apple Podcasts
Google Podcasts
Or wherever you get your podcasts

Share

If this episode hit home, send it to someone. The Impactful Engineer grows by word of mouth, just like the best careers do.