Tips and Ideas for Software Engineers Transitioning to Engineering Management
Are you a software engineer looking to transition into a leadership role? Peter Gillard-Moss, a seasoned engineering manager, shared his insights and tips on how engineers can practice management and become effective leaders in a recent talk at QCon London.
Gillard-Moss emphasized the importance of hands-on experience in management, highlighting that technical expertise alone is not enough to excel in a leadership position. He acknowledged that his initial reluctance to embrace management stemmed from negative experiences with traditional managers who focused more on authority than leadership.
To overcome this challenge, Gillard-Moss suggested that engineers aspiring to lead should start small by taking on responsibilities within their teams. By proactively organizing tasks, facilitating communication, and removing obstacles, engineers can demonstrate their potential as future managers. He also stressed the significance of role modeling, emphasizing that leaders must embody the values and behaviors they expect from their team members.
As an engineering leader, Gillard-Moss emphasized the importance of understanding and supporting your team’s technical decisions, even if you’re not an expert in every aspect of the technology stack. By fostering a culture of learning and collaboration, leaders can empower their teams to thrive and innovate.
In an interview with InfoQ, Gillard-Moss reflected on his own challenges as a new manager and underscored the importance of learning and adapting to the responsibilities of leadership. He also discussed the role of engineering leaders as stakeholders, advocating for the representation of engineering perspectives in decision-making processes.
Ultimately, Gillard-Moss’s insights serve as a valuable guide for software engineers looking to transition into leadership roles. By embracing opportunities to practice management, cultivate leadership skills, and advocate for their teams, engineers can pave the way for a successful career in engineering management.