Many good software developers struggle when transitioning to engineering management. Why? Because software development is typically “thing” oriented, while management requires a “people” oriented approach.
I realized this firsthand when I was promoted to lead a team of developers. The reason given for my promotion was that I “got along well with my teammates.”
Despite many years in the weeds of coding, I suddenly found myself responsible for building and managing teams, handling escalations, running one-on-ones, making tough decisions, budgeting, allocating resources, and mentoring my direct reports.
I also needed to learn how to package all my technical know-how in ways that was easy to understand for the non-technical stakeholders. All of this learning took place “in production” and often under pressure.
Charity Majors, in a post about building engineering teams, aptly said: “You can’t learn to be a software engineer by reading books. You can only learn by doing… and doing, and doing, and doing some more. No matter what your education consists of, most learning happens on the job—period.”
While learning by doing is essential, it can be fraught with errors and time-consuming, often leading to the development of inconsistent practices. Also, this approach can have a limited scope and be resource-intensive, creating stress and challenges in ensuring effective learning outcomes.
To address this, I decided to design an engineering leadership workshop that replicates the “learning by doing” experience in a safe environment, minimizing risks.
If you’re a seasoned software developer eyeing a transition into management, then you might find this workshop useful in leading your developers with compassion, context, and a sense of direction.
Why a Workshop is Better than a Course
Training comes in many forms, from formal degree programs in technology management to short courses and workshops on leadership and project management.
In my experience, when it comes to mastering the skills needed for engineering management, leadership workshops are the way to go. Sure, lengthy courses have their benefits, but here are a few reasons why workshops might be the better choice for aspiring engineering managers.
Hands-On Learning
Workshops, often with small groups, offer a hands-on learning experience that many courses lack. You get to dive into real-world scenarios, tackle problem-solving exercises, and engage in interactive discussions. This practical approach means you can immediately apply what you've learned, solidifying your understanding of key concepts.
Immediate Feedback
In a workshop, you'll get instant feedback from your instructor and peers. This feedback loop is crucial for pinpointing areas for improvement and honing your engineering management skills. Courses often have a delayed feedback process, which can slow down your progress.
Focused and Intensive
Workshops are usually shorter and more intense than courses. This focused format lets you fully immerse yourself in the subject matter without the long-term commitment of a course. You can quickly and effectively acquire essential skills.
Networking Opportunities
Workshops often bring together professionals like tech leads, new engineering managers, senior developers, and product owners, all looking to upskill. You can build a broader network and connect with like-minded individuals. A strong professional network can open doors to collaboration and future opportunities in your engineering management career.
Tailored Content
Workshops can be customized to address specific challenges or areas of interest. This tailored content ensures you get the most relevant knowledge and skills for your career goals.
Immediate Applicability
The skills and strategies you learn in a workshop can be applied right away in your workplace. Whether it's resolving team conflicts, improving project management, or boosting your leadership abilities, you can put what you've learned to work immediately.
Interactive Environment
Workshops create an interactive and collaborative atmosphere that encourages engagement and active participation. This dynamic setting fosters questions, discussions, and knowledge sharing among participants.
Practical Tools and Techniques
While theoretical concepts might be mentioned, workshops often focus on practical tools, techniques, and frameworks you can use in your daily responsibilities as an engineering manager. These actionable insights empower you to make a meaningful impact on your team and projects.
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Conclusion
Transitioning into an engineering management role is a significant career milestone. It's an exciting blend of technical challenges and human interactions. Remember, effective management is about inspiring and enabling your team to achieve their best. As you embark on this journey, embrace learning, be adaptable, and always keep your communication channels open. Here's to your success as an engineering manager, where you're not just building projects, you're building people and futures.
