Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager • James Stanier & Gergely Orosz
Mar 29, 2024
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Listen to James Stanier, Director of Engineering at Shopify, and Gergely Orosz, author of 'The Software Engineer's Guidebook,' discuss topics like transitioning into management roles in the software engineering industry, establishing expectations and goals in management relationships, mastering stoicism in leadership, and exploring software engineering management books and training programs.
Delegation in management involves accountability, balance, and understanding team skill levels.
Contracting in manager-employee relationships establishes expectations, preferences, and communication strategies for success.
Stoicism philosophies aid managers in managing uncertainty through focus, control, and fostering resilience.
Deep dives
Delegation Spectrum and Accountability
Delegation in management is not simply assigning tasks, but remaining accountable for their completion. The delegation spectrum illustrates the balance between delegation and control. Understanding the skill levels of team members helps in determining the appropriate level of delegation for optimal performance.
Contracting for Effective Relationships
The idea of contracting involves setting expectations and understanding needs at the beginning of a manager-employee relationship. By collaboratively outlining working preferences, potential challenges, and communication strategies, a solid foundation for a successful working rapport can be established.
Stoicism and Managing Uncertainty
Stoicism philosophies can guide managers in managing uncertainty and stress by focusing on what they can control and letting go of what is beyond their influence. Understanding the trichotomy of control helps in approaching challenges with clarity and calmness, fostering resilience.
Transparency and Decisiveness
Effective managers exhibit calmness and transparency during crises, showcasing decisiveness in addressing urgent issues. By maintaining composure and clear communication, managers inspire confidence and facilitate efficient problem-solving, leading to better team performance.
Books Covering Different Management Aspects
Among the array of management books, the episode highlighted James Stanier's series covering various management roles: Effective Remote Work for remote work strategies, Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager for managerial insights, and an upcoming title targeting middle management and executives for organizational leadership guidance.
James Stanier - Director of Engineering at Shopify & Author of "Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager" Gergely Orosz - Writing The Pragmatic Engineer & Author of "The Software Engineer's Guidebook"
DESCRIPTION Software startups make global headlines every day. As technology companies succeed and grow, so do their engineering departments. In your career, you’ll may suddenly get the opportunity to lead teams: to become a manager. But this is often uncharted territory. How do you decide whether this career move is right for you? And if you do, what do you need to learn to succeed? Where do you start? How do you know that you’re doing it right? What does “it” even mean? And isn’t management a dirty word?
This book will share the secrets you need to know to manage engineers successfully.