Engineering Management - Baby steps

Moving into a management role is exiting one and nervous in the other hand. Taking up a management role may be a rewarding step in your career, but you should know about the things you're leaving behind.
Once you move in to manager role- people are your product not technology. 

So help them grow and stay around them to support. You are no longer a individual contributor, but You are the leader of your team and you also need to protect your team from corporate politics.

Let’s talk about the journey from Dev/Engineer to a manager (as the title goes):
Based on how the teams are structured, your roles and responsibilities will be different.
In some organisations the teams may be smaller and you may write code, however in other organisations you may just do the people leadership, process and governance. In some other orgnaisation you may ask to do the coding + people leadership, process and governance.
In the end, Your job description may be totally different and your measurement of success will not be the same compared with an developer role.
Also to note, not every company puts managers completely away from the tech side. In my current role, apart from leading the people, managing the processes, I work with the project teams to make sure that projects are staffed correctly, and overall technical governance of the project. 

Why is the switching from tech to manager is hard?
It’s hard for great engineers to move into management because they like being deeply focused on challenging technical problems, not hopping in and out of a dozen meetings every day.
You have to enable your team for success and trust in them to deliver, instead you are doing the actual work. Let the team do the work and support them where needed.

Sacrifices:
If you want to become a manager, be prepared to give up some of the things you enjoy most about your current role. As a developer, you have a lot of control over your work. But as a manager, you'll have to delegate tasks and manage people, which can be more challenging.

It's important to be aware of some the trade-offs before making the decision to move into management 

“Me” time: As an engineer you have your own time to work, as soon as you turn into manager you calendar gets filled up so quickly. You will be hopping in and out of the meeting whole day long. So there will be no "me" time after all.

Effort un-recognized: You will be leading and empowering your team to create long term gains, which most of the times unrecognized unlike an engineer. You are the backbone to the team which never show your face. “Success” is also a lot murkier as a manager which means no praises.

Dealing with people issues: Have you ever worked on an improvement plan to uplift an underperforming colleague. Well, that will be you this time. As an individual contributor, you might think it would be easy to fire a colleague who is not pulling their weight. However, as a manager, you know that it is a difficult and unpleasant task. You have to have the difficult conversation with the employee, and you also have to deal with the fallout from the decision. Having difficult conversation is a huge part of being a manager.

Making technical decisions: When an engineer moves into manager role, they will still hold the technical character to their heart. This will hurt them and the team dearly. Let the team make the decision even you are a ‘Guru’ in that. 

Learning new technical skills: As an engineering manager, you may not be involved in day-to-day hands on works, however you should see the broader technology trends in your industry and understand the tradeoffs of different solutions. When you walk-in to a meeting or introduced to a new project then at least you know what’s all about.

Now you have decided to take up the role, then how to success in this role as Engineering Manager;

I have top 5 tips to succeed in this role;

Networking and Mentorship: Building a strong professional network and seeking mentorship are invaluable. Connect with other engineering managers, attend industry events, and seek guidance from experienced mentors. Learning from others' experiences can provide insights and shortcuts to success.

Handle Conflict with Grace: Conflict is inevitable in any workplace. Learn to navigate conflicts with diplomacy and grace. Address issues promptly, seek resolutions that benefit the entire team, and use conflicts as opportunities for growth and improvement.

Team Building and Leadership: Invest time in building a cohesive and high-performing team. Understand the strengths and weaknesses of your team members, foster a culture of collaboration, and lead by example. Empower your team to take ownership of their work, and provide guidance and support when needed.

Embrace a Growth Mindset: The tech industry is dynamic, and a growth mindset is crucial for adapting to change. Encourage continuous learning within your team and demonstrate a commitment to personal and professional development. This mindset creates a culture of resilience and adaptability.

Foster a Positive Work Environment: A positive work environment is a catalyst for productivity and innovation. Encourage a culture of open communication, recognition, and work-life balance. Invest in team-building activities and listen to your team's feedback to create a workplace where everyone thrives.

In conclusion, the journey from an engineer to Engineering manager is a challenging one and the path to success as an engineering manager requires a multifaceted approach, combining technical expertise, leadership skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By following this roadmap, aspiring engineering managers can navigate the challenges of their roles with confidence and lead their teams to success in the ever-evolving landscape of the tech industry.