Episode 2: From high-growth startup to high-growth Shopify with James Stanier
Sep 12, 2023
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James Stanier, Director of Engineering at Shopify and author of Become an Effective Software Manager and Effective Remote Work, discusses the challenges of transitioning to managing other managers in engineering, the importance of defining career paths in startups, the scope and challenges of customer engagement and marketing tools at Shopify, and managing a large group of engineers. They also explore tailoring one-to-one meetings with managers and the challenges of managing a growing team while avoiding redundancy.
Building trust among direct reports through open communication and regular one-on-one meetings fosters a culture of trust and collaboration.
Balancing team needs with business objectives requires open communication and making decisions based on what is best for the overall success of the company.
Managing upwards and effectively communicating with senior leaders involves understanding their priorities and finding effective ways to provide the necessary information.
Deep dives
Building Trust and Transparency
As a manager of managers, one of the key responsibilities is to build trust with your direct reports. This involves open and transparent communication, ensuring that there are no surprises and that your team feels supported. Regular one-on-one meetings are crucial for maintaining trust and providing a space for your managers to discuss their progress, challenges, and any concerns they may have. By being transparent about decisions and actively listening to your team, you can foster a culture of trust and collaboration.
Balancing Team and Business Needs
Managing managers often entails navigating the tension between team needs and business needs. While it's important to foster a healthy team culture and support your managers in their day-to-day responsibilities, you also need to make decisions that align with the broader goals and priorities of the organization. This may involve challenging conversations and trade-offs, as you strive to find the right balance between team autonomy and achieving business objectives. It's crucial to make decisions based on what is best for the overall success of the company while maintaining open lines of communication with your team.
Mastering the Skill of Managing Upwards
As a manager of managers, you will often find yourself needing to manage upwards and effectively communicate with senior leaders in the organization. This requires understanding their time constraints and priorities, as well as finding the most effective ways to provide the information they need. Building strong relationships with your own manager and other leaders can help you navigate these dynamics and align your team's goals with the broader organizational goals. Regular updates, clear communication, and proactive problem-solving can help you build trust and ensure that your team's efforts are aligned with the strategic direction of the company.
Avoiding Redundancy and Staying Connected
One challenge faced by managers of managers is avoiding redundancy and staying connected to the work happening within your teams. It's important to strike a balance between delegation and staying involved in the details of projects and initiatives. This helps you understand the challenges your managers face and provides opportunities for coaching and guidance. Additionally, maintaining visibility and accessibility can help you foster a sense of connection and support within your team. Regular check-ins, team updates, and creating a culture of open communication can help ensure that you remain connected to the work happening across your teams.
Building a Supportive Peer Network
As a manager of managers, it's essential to build a supportive network of peers who can provide guidance and share experiences. Connecting with other managers in similar roles can offer valuable insights and perspectives, as well as a space for exchanging ideas and discussing challenges. Regular peer meetings, whether formal or informal, can be beneficial for learning from others and developing a sense of camaraderie. Having a supportive network can help you navigate the unique responsibilities and complexities of managing managers, while also providing a platform for shared learning and growth.
In this episode, I chat to the person who literally wrote a book on Engineering Management, about his journey into managing other managers in a high-growth startup, and the experience of moving to a massive fast-moving company at Shopify.
