Episode 3: Global, remote management and the impact of coaching with Cate Huston
Sep 13, 2023
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Cate Huston, an experienced engineering leader, discusses global, remote management and the impact of coaching. They delve into managing a global team, the importance of adjusting approaches, using org surveys for feedback, and hiring and reviewing directors. They also explore the influence of capitalism on career decisions.
Managing your own resilience and well-being as a manager is crucial for effective leadership and supporting your team.
When hiring and managing directors, focus on their judgment and decision-making skills, organizational effectiveness, and care for team members' happiness and development.
Deep dives
The importance of energy management for managers
Energy management is crucial for managers, especially as they take on more responsibility. It is important to recognize when you need a break and prioritize self-care. This includes taking time off, setting boundaries, and engaging in activities that replenish your energy. By managing your own resilience and well-being, you can be more effective in your role and better support your team.
Hiring and managing directors
Hiring and managing directors require a focus on judgment and decision-making skills. Directors need to have clarity in their vision and effectively communicate it to the team. They should prioritize organizational effectiveness and care about the happiness and development of their team members. It is essential to find individuals who can handle the scope of the role and make mindful decisions that align with the organization's goals.
The role of coaching in leadership
Coaching plays a significant role in leadership development. It provides a different perspective and helps leaders gain insight into their own strengths and areas for improvement. Coaches offer support and guidance through challenging times, help leaders develop self-awareness, and navigate complex decisions. Seeking coaching as a leader can enhance personal growth and contribute to more effective leadership.
Running an org health survey
Running an org health survey can provide valuable insights into the overall well-being and satisfaction of the team. It helps identify trends, address concerns, and understand the collective sentiment of the organization. Transparency in sharing the survey results with managers allows for open discussions and targeted actions to improve the team's satisfaction and address any areas of concern.
In this episode, I chat to an experienced engineering leader who has worked in a global, remote context managing other managers, has done formal co-active coaching training and discusses its relevance to managing other managers.
Guest Biography
Cate Huston is an engineering director at DuckDuckGo and an advisor at Glowforge. She previously worked at Automattic where she led the mobile Jetpack and Developer Experience teams and Cate administers the new-ish manager slack and writes regularly. She is currently writing the O'Reilly book, "The Engineering Leader", coming out in early 2024.