The Changelog: Software Development, Open Source

Engineering management (for the rest of us) (Interview)

40 snips

May 17, 2023

Join Sarah Drasner, Director of Engineering at Google and author of "Engineering Management for the Rest of Us," as she dives into the art of leading tech teams. She shares insights on building trust through shared values and the importance of empathy in fostering collaboration. Drasner discusses the transition from being an individual contributor to a management role, tackling remote leadership challenges, and the significance of effective communication. With a focus on team well-being, her tips empower leaders to navigate the complexities of today's engineering landscape.

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ANECDOTE

CSS-Tricks Benchmarking

Sarah Drasner's first CSS-Tricks article benchmarked SVG animation technologies.
It sparked healthy debate, leading to her staff writer position.

ADVICE

Write to Solidify Knowledge

Use blog posts or articles to explore and solidify technical concepts.
Writing helps understanding, knowledge sharing, and future reference.

INSIGHT

From Engineer to Manager

Great engineers often get promoted to management roles without prior training.
This lateral shift requires a new skillset and a different approach to work.

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Engineering Management for the Rest of Us

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Charity Majors

Sarah Drasner's "Engineering Management for the Rest of Us" offers practical advice for engineering managers, focusing on building strong teams and fostering a positive work environment. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding personal and team values, promoting transparency, and creating a culture of accountability. It provides actionable strategies for managing engineers effectively, addressing common challenges, and navigating the complexities of modern software development. Drasner's insights are particularly relevant for managers who are new to the role or those seeking to improve their management skills. The book's focus on empathy and understanding makes it a valuable resource for anyone in a leadership position.