How “technical” should an engineering manager be? And what do different paths into engineering leadership look like?—These questions have been the topic of hot debate in tech for a very long time, even more now as the industry is going through big changes with layoffs and strategy shifts.
That’s why we’re starting this podcast with a two-episode series about different shapes of leadership roles:
You’ll hear from two leaders who both have over 20 years experience, but had very different paths into the technology space and have very different roles now.
In this episode, you hear from Max, who shares his path from engineer to technical lead of leads. We talk about:
The relevance of fruit baskets: Max’ career from a computer science graduate in the early 2000’s, to getting into his first informal, then first formal lead role
New skills to learn, new fears to face: How he adapted to his new roles, changed his approach from direct involvement to empowering his teams, and how he dealt with the emotional and practical aspects of ~leadership~.
Knowing if you’re doing your job well, a.k.a. “When You Do Things Right, People Won’t Be Sure You’ve Done Anything at All.” (Futurama)
Guidance for Aspiring & New Leaders: Practical advice for everyone in technical roles considering or new to a leadership path.
Find the full transcript for this episode on the podcast website.
Additional resources:
LeadDev Engineering Leadership Survey: How exactly have tech leadership roles changed? Spend 5-10 minutes sharing your experiences anonymously, and help create more clarity for the engineering leadership community. The survey is still open until Apr 12, 2024.
How to work with your peer leaders as a “first team” and why it matters
StaffEng - reports from staff+ engineers in different companies about the different shapes of the role
Book: Tanya Reilly, The Staff Engineer’s Path
Book: Will Larson, Staff Engineer: Leadership Beyond The Management Track
Hear more about different shapes of leadership roles and paths next week, from an engineering manager who moved into this role without prior engineering experience.
Thank you for joining me on Leadership Confidential.
Popular Podcasts
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes present: Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial
Introducing… Aubrey O’Day Diddy’s former protege, television personality, platinum selling music artist, Danity Kane alum Aubrey O’Day joins veteran journalists Amy Robach and TJ Holmes to provide a unique perspective on the trial that has captivated the attention of the nation. Join them throughout the trial as they discuss, debate, and dissect every detail, every aspect of the proceedings. Aubrey will offer her opinions and expertise, as only she is qualified to do given her first-hand knowledge. From her days on Making the Band, as she emerged as the breakout star, the truth of the situation would be the opposite of the glitz and glamour. Listen throughout every minute of the trial, for this exclusive coverage. Amy Robach and TJ Holmes present Aubrey O’Day, Covering the Diddy Trial, an iHeartRadio podcast.
Good Hang with Amy Poehler
Come hang with Amy Poehler. Each week on her podcast, she'll welcome celebrities and fun people to her studio. They'll share stories about their careers, mutual friends, shared enthusiasms, and most importantly, what's been making them laugh. This podcast is not about trying to make you better or giving advice. Amy just wants to have a good time.