Programmers HATE When Managers Do This
Feel like your manager's doing a bad job? You might switch into management yourself. Here are some lessons on how to do it right.
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Are You Considering Switching into Management?
A lot of people get pushed into management by their companies without having clear expectations set for them. As a developer, you have to constantly practice programming, learn new skills, read up on documentation, try new techniques, and adopt practices like test-driven development and continuous delivery. You might also explore different types of forecasting algorithms if you’re in data science. Well, management is no different.
If you’re considering switching into management from a role like programming, DevOps, or data science, this episode is for you. I want to share some of the critical skills you need to develop to be a great and effective manager. Unfortunately, many people who get promoted aren’t taught these skills or told about these expectations. Companies often assume you’ll learn by osmosis, watching what others do. My goal is to give you a clear understanding of what’s required so that if you’re on the fence, you can make an informed decision.
I previously did an episode where I shared five signs that it may be time for you to switch into management. If you’re just wondering if it’s the right time, you can check that out. This episode, however, is focused on the skills you’ll need.
Here are five essential skills that will help you be a more effective manager if you decide to make the switch.
1. Learning to Hold People Accountable the Right Way
One of the most challenging but crucial aspects of being a manager is learning how to hold people accountable. As an individual contributor, it’s easy to complain about others not doing their job, but as a manager, you have to take action. Holding people accountable doesn’t just mean punishing them; it means finding the right balance between discipline and grace.
If someone on your team isn’t pulling their weight, and it’s negatively affecting the whole team, you’ll need to address it. This might involve giving them a warning, offering support, or, in some cases, disciplinary action. Each situation is unique, and just like with any technical skill, this is something you’ll need to practice and improve over time. The ability to hold people accountable while helping them grow and improve is what sets great managers apart.
2. Taking Responsibility for Other People’s Work
When you move into management, you’re no longer just responsible for your work; you’re responsible for your team’s work. This can be difficult because, unlike individual contributors, you often won’t have direct insight into every technical detail your team is working on. You’ll need to trust your team without having full visibility.
This responsibility means that if your team fails to meet deadlines or if there are quality issues, you might be held accountable, even if you weren’t directly involved in the work. It’s a heavy burden, but understanding this responsibility is crucial if you’re considering a management role.
Great managers are those who listen to their team, understand the risks, and navigate the challenges that come with being held accountable for others’ work.
3. Making Yourself More Available to Your Team
As an individual contributor, you might spend hours, or even an entire day, working on tasks uninterrupted. In contrast, as a manager, your role shifts to one where your availability is key. You need to be accessible to your team to smooth out communication, resolve issues, and keep the project moving.
Being a good manager means you have to be willing to be interrupted and ready to help out when needed. It’s important to build buffer time into your schedule to be available for your team. If you’re someone who values uninterrupted work time, management might be a tough transition for you.
However, if you enjoy helping others and being a servant leader, this aspect of management could be very rewarding.
4. Consciously Studying and Practicing Management
Management is a skill, just like programming, DevOps, or data science. It involves persuasion, building confidence, having empathy, listening, and much more. Unfortunately, many people move into management without the expectation that they need to actively study and practice these skills.
If you’re serious about becoming a great manager, treat it as a new role with a whole new set of skills to learn. Read books, listen to podcasts, seek mentoring from experienced managers, and continuously improve your management abilities. If you approach management with the same dedication you had as a developer or data scientist, you’ll be far more effective and respected in your new role.
5. Being a Translator for People’s Incentives
One of the most powerful skills a manager can develop is the ability to translate between different incentives. Executives, developers, and other team members often have very different motivations and concerns. Executives might be focused on the bottom line, while developers are concerned with code quality and technical debt.
As a manager, your role is to help each side understand the other’s perspective. For example, you might need to explain to upper management how a technical decision impacts the business or help developers understand the business rationale behind a decision. This skill can help you navigate complex situations and build stronger, more cohesive teams.
Conclusion
So, are you thinking about moving into management? Does this prospect excite or scare you? That should give you an indication of whether it’s the right move for you. If you’re ready to take on these challenges and develop these skills, management could be a fulfilling new chapter in your career.
About the THRIVING TECHNOLOGIST show
On YouTube and all major podcast networks, Jayme shares teamwork and leadership strategies, guidelines for healthy company culture, and stories about real projects so you can have a sustainable career in the software industry.
Jayme Edwards
A family man and veteran of nearly 40 software projects, Jayme experienced many wins and losses over his career as an architect and consultant.
Now he's coaching software developers, managers, and business owners to overcome challenges in the IT industry - so they keep growing.