Should I become a software engineering manager?
I am a coach specializing in the coaching and training of new engineering managers. But often my work begins even one step before:
People are coming to me because they want to find out if (software) engineering management could be something for them to consider as a next step in their career.
Usually those people’s current role is either one of senior software engineer or tech lead. And it is true: It is not an easy decision to make as usually engineers have no clear idea what (engineering) management is really and mostly about and how it would feel like for them personally.
And maybe you, the reader, are currently also wondering some of the following:
What does a software engineering manager do and what are typical responsibilities?
What will change the most in my everyday work as a manager?
Should I stay on the technical career track or should I try out management?
Could I become happy in a less technical role?
Is engineering management something where I could strive in?
What would I have to give up for this role?
What is the best way for me to become an engineering manager?
One thing, among other exercises, that I typically do with these people coming to coaching is a values analysis.
Values are our deepest convictions, ideals and attitudes. Through imprinting, they form from earliest childhood and then throughout our lives. They form the standards for our thinking, speaking and acting. They are the engine that drives and motivates us. And they are the windows out of which we look when we assess others, ourselves and make decisions. When we live in harmony with our most important values, our needs are met and we feel "in balance". This is also essential in professional terms, if our job shall feel fulfilling and satisfying.
Truth is: We are often not even aware of our values as the decisive factor behind our actions and well-being. When an important professional decision is pending, a systematic analysis and awareness of our values can therefore be very helpful and usually even provides an aha moment or two.
At the end of our coaching cooperation my coachees leave with a very clear understanding of …
their personal pro’s and con’s of transitioning into engineering management
what they might have to give up and if it will be worth it
their personal motivation of becoming an EM and team lead
if and when it is the right time for them to change career paths
what kind of support they would need to make the transition to management successfully
In the best case, a well-trained and certified coach enables people to make important decisions using more than just cognitive skills. Understanding the role’s expectations and responsibilities of an engineering manager is usually not even half of the story. In order to derive at a good decision, well proven decision making exercises and coaching tools that also go beyond the surface can help a lot. Through a more holistic approach, such as making people aware of values and including somatic markers, e.g. trusting one's gut, decisions can ultimately be made with much more certainty and self-confidence.
In my professional career I have seen far too many new engineering managers going back to the IC role very quickly because management was not at all something they had been looking for. Of course, it is good, if companies let their people find out by doing and on the job. And also it is not the end of the world, if people prefer to go back. I am simply saying that in many cases, with a few simple exercises, it is very possible to choose or rule out the next career step with more confidence.
In the end, everyone benefits from better decisions in these cases: The new engineering managers involved, as they are spared disappointment in the new role; the team, through less frequent manager changes; and the company as a whole, as onboarding and offboarding processes are usually very expensive and inefficient.
PS: In a next post, I will cover “What does a software engineering manager do?”.
What do you think? How does your company help their people to make good decisions about their next career step? If you think you or your company might benefit from the help of a professional coach, get to know me and let’s talk!
