Landing a Staff Engineer role at a MAANG company is a significant achievement. For many, this position is seen as the pinnacle of their career—a role they can settle into for life without feeling the need for further promotions.
Just last week, I had a conversation with a friend who managed to reach the Staff (IC6) level at Google by the age of 28. What stood out wasn’t just how fast he climbed the ranks, which is impressive in itself, but the unconventional path he took to get there.
He revealed something surprising: even with such a steep career trajectory, he worked less than 40 hours a week on average. Curious about how he managed this, I asked him to share his secrets. He boiled it down to two key skills that made all the difference.
Mastering the Art of Prioritizing Impact
The first skill he highlighted was understanding what outcomes mattered most to his organization and focusing only on the work that could deliver the greatest impact.
He explained that he often turned down tasks he knew wouldn’t move the needle. By being selective, he could dedicate his time to high-value projects. This approach not only ensured his work had a meaningful impact but also kept his plate manageable.
It’s a reality we all face: time is finite. Even if you grind away every waking hour, there’s only so much you can accomplish. The real key to achieving a Staff+ level of impact is being deliberate about what you choose to work on.
Learning to Say No
I learned a similar lesson back when I was a mid-level (IC4) engineer. I had a habit of taking on whatever work came my way without much thought. But after having enough discussions with my manager about what was expected at the senior (IC5) level, I realized that small features and low-impact tasks weren’t going to get me there.
So, I started evaluating the potential impact of every task before committing to it. This mindset shift was a game-changer.
If you want to develop this skill, start by having open conversations with your manager or tech leads. Use those discussions to gauge how different projects align with the organization’s priorities and what kind of work will help you grow.
Mastering the Art of Saying No
Not every task that comes your way is worth your time, but you can’t just reject work without context—it’ll only create headaches for others.
The key to saying no effectively is over-communicating. When you decline a task, explain why. Share that you’re focused on something more urgent or impactful. Your manager will likely appreciate that you’re prioritizing high-value work instead of getting bogged down with smaller, less significant tasks.
That said, you can’t make a habit of refusing every task that doesn’t directly align with your career goals. If you do, you’ll come across as a poor team player, which can hurt you in the long run. Striking the right balance requires evaluating each situation individually.
A Lesson in Boundaries
A few years ago, a mentor shared an interesting story about a Distinguished Engineer (IC9) he worked with. This engineer was incredibly protective of his time—so much so that he negotiated his way out of on-call duties and rarely answered questions from colleagues. While this approach helped him stay focused, it also left a negative impression on others in the organization.
This story highlights the fine line between protecting your time and alienating your team. It doesn’t mean the IC9 was entirely wrong, but it does illustrate the tradeoffs involved. For most of us, it’s about finding the balance: leaning towards protecting your time while still contributing to the team when it matters.
Why Time Protection is Essential
Here’s the truth: if you don’t guard your time, no amount of hard work will get you promoted. Success isn’t just about working longer hours or taking on more tasks—it’s about being intentional with your efforts.
By combining strategic prioritization with hard work, you can make a bigger impact and accelerate your career growth. Remember, it’s not about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things.
A Thought to Keep in Mind
One thing I’d add is that saying no isn’t just about avoiding low-impact work—it’s also about setting a tone for how your time is valued. If you consistently accept tasks that don’t align with your goals or the team’s priorities, you risk becoming the go-to person for busywork.
By being clear about what you can and can’t take on, you show your colleagues and managers that you’re focused on delivering meaningful results. This doesn’t just benefit your career—it also helps your team succeed by ensuring time and resources are used wisely.
Want to add something like this? It ties the concept of protecting your time to a broader professional mindset.
