Tips for Becoming a Great Tech Manager💪

May 21

As a seasoned software developer, I’ve navigated through the murky waters of subpar management more times than I’d like to admit. Sure, I haven’t had Harvey Weinstein or the British Royal family as a manager but I’ve had my own rough ride over the years.

I’d like to explore how we can redefine the role of managers in tech to get the best possible work out of people, which also gives them dignity and motivation for their job.

Sounds easy? We shall see!

Where we are

Recently, my tech lead promised a catch-up session that never materialized.

My manager canceled my 1:1 three times. I’ve no real idea about the expectations I need to meet.

Sure, these things seem minor. But events accumulate over time and I feel it can paint a picture of mismanagement. And that’s just on the level of managing people. What might be going on with the other things that management is supposed to look after?

I’m losing my faith, and there has to be a better solution — we just need to find it.

Where we need to go

I sometimes feel that I’m solely responsible for the state of my relationship with my manager. This probably isn’t good psychologically (and is logically not plausible too).

I’ve left jobs before because of a bad relationship with a manager. There, I’ve said it. I think there is a direct correlation between employee turnover and management and leadership.

The time has come to tackle the management problem and I don’t think that it is too late for the industry as a whole.

The Characteristics of an Effective Tech Manager

Here is an incomplete list of the characteristics of an effective tech manager

Communication

They articulate clear expectations and feedback, ensuring each team member understands their role and impact.

Empathy

Understanding individual strengths and weaknesses, they provide personalized support, promoting an inclusive atmosphere.

Delegation and Trust

By effectively allocating tasks and trusting in their team’s capabilities, they foster independence coupled with appropriate support.

Visionary Leadership

With a clear strategy, they align team goals with corporate objectives, making the broader impact of day-to-day work apparent.

Adaptability and Feedback

They remain flexible to change, continually adjusting strategies based on team feedback and evolving circumstances.

What We Should Do

For any changes, we should first look at ourselves. Or work to be the manager we can be.

In either case, I’ve prepared a blueprint for becoming a great tech manager, just for you.

Listen More Than You Speak

Engage with your team’s challenges and feedback actively, showing readiness for adaptation and improvement.

Set and Communicate Clear Goals

Define what success looks like and guide your team towards achieving it, providing necessary leadership and protection from upper management’s pressures.

Cultivate a Supportive and Creative Atmosphere

Encourage innovative thinking and recognize achievements. Create a workplace that values respect, collaboration, and continuous learning.

Be a Model of Integrity and Commitment

Lead by example in all aspects, from ethical behavior to personal accountability and professional development.

What the Industry Should Do

The tech industry is riddled with management issues, and as an industry we need to do something. Here’s a blueprint for how the industry can elevate its management game:

Prioritize Training and Development

Invest in comprehensive training programs for managers. These programs should cover not only technical skills but also people management skills. A good manager needs to understand the nuances of human psychology and team dynamics.

Accountability

Managers should be held accountable for their team’s performance and well-being. This means regular 360-degree feedback sessions where team members can anonymously provide feedback about their managers.

Promote Transparency

Ensure that goals, expectations, and feedback are communicated clearly and regularly. Transparency fosters trust and helps in aligning the team’s objectives with the company’s vision.

Foster a Culture of Empathy

Encourage managers to understand and support their team’s personal and professional challenges. Empathy can significantly improve team morale and productivity.

Adapt and Evolve

The tech industry is ever-changing, and so should the management. Managers should be encouraged to stay updated with the latest trends and best practices in both tech and management.

Implement Realistic Workloads

Avoid burnout by ensuring that workloads are realistic and manageable. This includes respecting personal time and encouraging a healthy work-life balance.

Encourage Innovation

Create an environment where innovative ideas are welcomed and tested. Managers should support their teams in exploring new technologies and methodologies.

Streamline Processes

Reduce unnecessary meetings and bureaucracy. Focus on what truly adds value to the team and the project. This will help in maintaining momentum and avoiding the pitfalls of over-management.

Lead by Example

Managers should model the behavior they expect from their team. This includes being punctual, prepared, and professional at all times.

Recognize and Reward

Acknowledge the hard work and achievements of your team. Regular recognition and rewards can significantly boost morale and motivation.

The tech industry has the potential to be a beacon of progressive management practices. It’s time we embrace this potential and work towards creating an environment where everyone can thrive.

Conclusion

The role of a tech manager extends far beyond task management. True leadership involves inspiring and guiding a team towards achieving goals with a focus on both individual and group development. The tech industry must strive for leaders who not only understand the technical side of software engineering but are also adept in people management.

The Secret Developer