Jason M. Lemkin explains what top engineers actually want: to work for exceptional engineering leaders. When hiring a VP of Engineering or co-founder, vet them by interviewing two of their former hires or asking which engineers they'd bring from their last job.
The best engineers want to work for the best engineering leaders. The best. They really want to work for the best. And so if somehow, like if you're trying to find a co founder, or if you have a co founder, you're trying to find a VP of engineering, don't just hire Mr. Nice, don't just hire Mr. Google. It's not enough. Hire someone that the best engineers would love to work for. Interview two of her hires, ask her for two engineers that she could bring with you from her last job and see if they're wicked smart. See if they're off the charts. Good. And then you will be able to build an agile team.
