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Engineering Culture by InfoQ
Overcoming Some Challenges Engineering Managers Face
Oct 6, 2023
The podcast discusses common challenges faced by engineering managers such as longer feedback loops, feeling overwhelmed, and the need for developing soft skills. It provides tactical advice on time management, setting clear expectations, and managing up. Additionally, it explores the challenges of transitioning between technical and leadership roles and optimizing developer experience and team happiness. The importance of effective one-on-one meetings and aligned incentives is also highlighted.
23:28
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Quick takeaways
- Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager requires looking beyond first-order consequences and using proxies for feedback to improve leadership skills.
- Managing overwhelm as an engineering manager involves effective time management, prioritizing breaks, approaching the role with a beginner's mindset, and developing new skills.
Deep dives
The Importance of Feedback Loops for Engineering Managers
One of the challenges that engineering managers face is the transition from being an individual contributor (IC) to a manager. As an IC, feedback loops are short and immediate, with code reviews and performance benchmarks providing clear signals of success. However, as a manager, feedback loops are longer, making it difficult to know if you're on the right track. To address this challenge, it's important to look beyond first-order consequences and focus on second and third-order consequences. Additionally, using proxies for feedback, such as team performance or project milestones, can help iterate and improve leadership skills.
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