The Evolution of Engineering Management π β with Pat Kua
Nov 8, 2024
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In this engaging discussion, Pat Kua, a seasoned engineering and leadership coach, shares his fascinating journey from Australia to Europe, highlighting his roles as CTO of N26 and principal consultant at ThoughtWorks. He delves into the evolution of engineering management, balancing technical and people skills, and the impact of hybrid work environments. Pat also presents the 'maker vs multiplier' framework and emphasizes the importance of foundational interpersonal skills for effective leadership. Tune in for insights into the future of tech management!
Effective engineering management now requires a blend of technical expertise and strong people management skills to foster team collaboration.
The consulting experience accelerates leadership growth by enhancing adaptability and problem-solving capabilities through diverse team interactions.
Foundation skills like communication and relationship-building are vital for both leaders and contributors, impacting overall project success and workplace dynamics.
Deep dives
Deliberate Practice in Leadership
Engaging in one-on-one conversations provides valuable opportunities for leaders to practice essential skills like coaching, active listening, and asking questions that promote growth. Each interaction can be seen as a chance for deliberate practice, reinforcing the idea that practicing leadership skills is essential for ongoing improvement. Technologists can similarly focus on applying their knowledge of new tools and concepts through their daily tasks, translating this practice into leadership contexts. By treating every engagement as a chance to enhance their approach, managers can foster a culture of growth and collaboration within their teams.
Consulting Experience as a Growth Accelerator
Working in consulting allows professionals to experience diverse organizations, teams, and cultures, accelerating personal and career growth. By encountering varying client situations and team dynamics, individuals enhance their adaptability and problem-solving capabilities. While consulting can present stressful scenarios, these experiences prepare individuals for future leadership roles by teaching them how to navigate challenging conversations and influence others. This blend of autonomy and responsibility in consulting helps shape well-rounded leaders who excel within organizations.
The Evolution of Engineering Management
As the landscape of engineering management evolves, organizations seek leaders who can blend technical expertise with people management skills. The shift toward leaner teams emphasizes the need for engineering managers to balance hands-on contributions with effective leadership roles. However, this can lead to a struggle between fulfilling technical responsibilities and adequately supporting team members. The challenge lies in prioritizing both urgent tasks and long-term management activities that contribute to a healthy team environment.
Navigating Management and Delegation
Effective management requires a conscious awareness of the balance between delegation and involvement in details. Managers must recognize their strengths and weaknesses, delegating tasks appropriately while maintaining an understanding of critical project elements. Itβs essential to foster a culture of support and communication, enabling teams to thrive and take ownership of their responsibilities. The journey towards finding this balance encourages managers to develop their leadership style while ensuring that team members feel empowered and valued.
The Importance of Foundation Skills
Foundation skills, often referred to as soft skills, are essential for both leaders and individual contributors to effectively navigate workplace dynamics. These skills foster better collaboration, communication, and relationship-building, which are crucial for successful project execution. Moreover, leaders should embrace personal development within these areas, applying what they learn not only to their professional roles but also to their personal lives. By recognizing and cultivating foundation skills, individuals can enhance their effectiveness and create a more positive work environment.
Today's guest is Pat Kua!
Pat is a professional engineering and leadership coach with more than 20 years of experience in tech.
He was CTO of N26 and principal consultant at ThoughtWorks. He is an accomplished speaker and writes an awesome newsletter for tech leaders called Level Up.
With Pat, we talked about his journey in tech, from Australia to London to Berlin. We talked about the future of engineering management and technical leadership and the ever controversial founder mode.
Here is what we talked about:
(02:17) Introduction
(03:05) Pat's journey in tech
(12:17) Engineering management evolution
(18:27) Balancing people and tech management
(21:55) The paybacks of a good management
(25:25) System thinking in people's management
(28:39) Finding the balance in hybrid roles
(31:52) The foundation skill
(37:42) About Paul Graham's essay
(45:22) The maker vs multiplier framework
(48:15) The evolution of practices in tech
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This episode is brought to you by https://sleuth.io
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You can also find this at:
- π¬ Newsletter: https://refactoring.fm
- π§ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7Luds9dmzZDoDC8Q7EMbSw
- π± Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/refactoring-podcast/id1719137305
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For inquiries about sponsoring the podcast, or appearing as a guest, email: luca@refactoring.club
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