Founder Mode & The Manager’s Path 👑 — with Camille Fournier
Sep 20, 2024
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Camille Fournier, a seasoned CTO and author of the influential 'The Manager’s Path,' dives into the complexities of tech leadership. She discusses the tension between founder mode and manager mode, stressing the importance of authenticity and adaptation in management styles. Camille shares career advice for aspiring managers and insights into platform engineering, hinting at her next book. The conversation also tackles the challenges of balancing personal beliefs with managerial roles, emphasizing the need for accountability and fostering a supportive team environment.
Effective leadership requires instilling accountability to create a responsible culture that avoids chaos and promotes reliable outcomes.
Finding the right balance between 'founder mode' and 'manager mode' is crucial for engaging teams while fostering creativity and independence.
Ongoing development and networking among managers enhance leadership skills, contributing to personal growth and the overall success of the organization.
Deep dives
The Significance of Accountability in Leadership
Effective leadership at scale hinges on the ability to hold team members accountable. Without accountability, leaders risk creating chaotic environments where outcomes cannot be reliably achieved. Leaders must focus on instilling a culture of responsibility, regardless of whether they prefer to be hands-on or hands-off in their management style. Neglecting this aspect can lead to detrimental situations that hinder an organization’s growth.
Debating Manager Mode versus Founder Mode
The discussion around the concepts of 'manager mode' and 'founder mode' highlights a dichotomy that may oversimplify the nuances of effective management. While the founder mode emphasizes autonomy, it can lead to a lack of engagement with teams, resulting in a disconnect between leadership and execution. Conversely, the manager mode can risk micromanagement, stifling creativity and initiative among team members. Leaders must find a balance, actively engaging with their teams while fostering an atmosphere of trust and independence.
Navigating the Balance of Detail and Oversight
Understanding when to engage with the intricate details of a project versus allowing team members to take charge is a critical skill for effective leadership. A hands-on approach can be beneficial in guiding teams and providing valuable insights; however, too much involvement can lead to dependency and hinder their ability to independently problem-solve. Leaders should strive to determine which aspects require their input and when it is appropriate to step back and let their teams flourish. This balance promotes a culture of empowerment that is essential for sustained success.
Continuous Learning and Peer Collaboration
Ongoing development is crucial for managers to adapt and effectively support their teams. Engaging with peers in different organizations allows leaders to exchange insights and refine their management approaches. By remaining open to new ideas and feedback, managers can continue to learn from the experiences of others, enhancing their leadership skills. Establishing and maintaining a network of fellow managers encourages a culture of shared learning that benefits both individual careers and the wider organization.
Future Directions in Platform Engineering
As the field of platform engineering evolves, there is a growing demand for professionals skilled in building and maintaining internal platforms that enhance productivity. The upcoming book on platform engineering aims to address the complexities of enabling efficient workflows and collaboration among engineering teams. By focusing on operational excellence and meeting user needs, leaders can ensure the successful implementation of platform solutions. This area presents promising opportunities for individuals looking to make impactful contributions at scale within their organizations.
Today's guest is Camille Fournier!
Camille is an accomplished CTO and executive with 20+ years of experience in tech, and author of the timeless The Manager’s Path, possibly the most influential book ever about engineering management.
With Camille we talked about good vs bad management, the controversial new founder mode, career advice for managers and her next book about platform engineering.
Here is what we talked about:
(02:01) Introduction
(03:51) About the founder mode
(11:46) Good weed, bad weeds
(17:49) Finding "the formula"
(21:24) Managing at different levels
(28:03) The identity war
(32:55) The staples of management
(39:53) Having a strong opinion
(43:21) Staying valuable
(49:53) Keep your skills valuable
(55:15) Platform engineering
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