Contemplating the Shift to Management? The WHY Matters Most
For many software engineers, the pursuit of growth often prompts them to ask, "Is management the right step forward?". When I faced this decision a few years ago, I made the leap into management. Since then, many engineers and mentees have asked me for advice on making such a transition. One of the most important things I learned through my own experience and discussions with others, is that it’s critical to think about the WHY before you start strategizing about the HOW. In this post, I'll share my thoughts, experiences, and insights to help others decide if management is the right path for them as well.
Why Do You Want to be a Manager?
The first and most fundamental step in this journey is to examine your motivation. There are many reasons to consider switching to management, and the choice is deeply personal. However, moving from a technical role to a managerial one is not a simple switch. It requires a significant shift in mindset, skills, and responsibilities. It means leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of coding and embracing the uncertainty and complexity of leading people. It means trading the credibility and reputation of an expert engineer for the challenges of an unproven manager.
Given the serious implications for one’s career, it’s not a decision to make on a whim. Yet, most people overlook or underestimate the importance of honestly assessing the answer to this question. Success in any role hinges on both passion and competence. As such, a clarity of the motivations – why you want to be a manager – and an understanding of the expectations of the managerial role are necessary to assess your interest and readiness for this transition. You won’t be successful or satisfied with your choice if you aren’t intrinsically motivated to perform your duties.
People who are intrinsically motivated tend to work on tasks longer and persist in the face of failure. - Carol Dweck
Reflect on these questions to gain a clearer understanding of your motivations and ensure that your decision to pursue a management role is driven by genuine interests in leading and developing others, rather than solely by external factors such as salary, status, or perceived career advancement.
What specific aspects of management interests you, and how do they align with your current strengths and passions?
How do you envision your long-term career goals, and how does management align with those aspirations?
Do your core values align with the principles of effective management?
How strong is your need for personal achievement? Can you derive satisfaction from collaborative achievements and celebrate the success of your team members?
Are you eager to support and facilitate the growth of your team members by offering guidance and mentorship?
How prepared are you to confront and make tough decisions, even when they may be met with disapproval or resistance?
How Can You Gather Information for an Informed Decision?
Answering the above questions requires a thorough grasp of the managerial role and responsibilities, as well as deep reflection on your own motivation and abilities. In this section, we will explore a range of practical steps to help you gather the information you need and develop a comprehensive understanding of the engineering management role and how it may align with your aspirations. By leveraging these strategies, you'll be well-prepared to make an informed decision about whether to take the leap into management, backed by a deep understanding of your motivations and capabilities.
Talk to new and seasoned managers: Speak with current engineering managers and gain insights into their day-to-day responsibilities, challenges, and rewards. Ask them about their experiences, what they like and dislike about the job, and what skills and qualities they think are important for success.
Deep introspection: Set aside time for self-reflection, exploring your motivations, values, and personal goals. What are your strengths and weaknesses as a leader? What are your career goals? What kind of work environment do you thrive in?
Find a mentor: Seek out experienced engineering managers who can provide guidance, share their knowledge, and offer advice on navigating the exploration phase. A mentor can be an invaluable resource for understanding the intricacies of the management role and identifying areas where you may need to develop new skills.
Take on leadership roles within your current position: Volunteer for project management or team lead responsibilities within your current role to gain hands-on experience in leading, guiding, and mentoring others. This can help you assess your aptitude for and interest in management tasks.
Attend workshops or conferences: Participate in workshops, conferences, or webinars focused on engineering management and leadership development. These events can provide valuable information, offer networking opportunities, and help you bridge the gap in your understanding of the role.
Read books, articles, and blogs: There are many books and articles available that can teach you about engineering management. This will help you gain a broader understanding of the role, the necessary skills, and philosophies and challenges of management.
As you embark on this information-gathering journey, it's crucial to remain honest with yourself regarding your motivations, skill gaps, and alignment with your long-term aspirations. The primary goal of this exercise is to facilitate a well-informed decision. Therefore, you should be open to any of the three possible answers to the question, ‘Is management the right next step for you?’: Yes, No, or Not Yet.
Bear in mind that various paths exist for career advancement. The crux of the matter lies in understanding your motivations. If your passion lies in developing others, making a greater impact, and utilizing your leadership skills to boost the productivity of your team, the managerial path might be the right one for you. However, if you find yourself driven primarily by prestige, salary, or escaping technical challenges, it's worth reevaluating your motivations and considering alternative paths for career progression.
As a closing thought, let me share a profound piece of advice I received from a friend during this journey. Once you commit to the management path, jot down your key motivations on a piece of paper. On your journey, you will undoubtedly confront challenges and grapple with self-doubt, potentially tempting you to abandon your pursuit. In those moments, hold this paper close, and let it remind you of your powerful WHY.