What is the real role of an Engineering Manager?
“An Engineering Manager (EM) is someone who solves a problem you didn’t know you had, in a way you don’t understand, and then convinces you it was your idea all along.” This is the daily paradox that an EM goes through!
Before we dive in further, here's an exciting opportunity - If you're an EM, Director, Head, VPE, or a CTO & want to share your thoughts with the engineering community, please comment or schedule a 15-minute call. We would love to feature your story just like RJ’s, Principal EM at Microsoft who shared his experience this week.
Now, let’s get back to this week’s edition!
“As a Principal Engineering Manager at Microsoft for about 7 years now, I've often been asked about the real role of an EM and how to prepare for it. While the title might imply it's solely about managing engineers, the reality is much more nuanced. An EM acts as a bridge between the technical team and broader organizational goals, balancing both to drive successful outcomes. In today’s article, I'll use relevant analogies to illustrate what it takes to be a successful EM” — RJ
The Conductor of an Orchestra
Imagine an EM as the conductor of an orchestra. Each engineer is like a musician, highly skilled at playing their instrument (writing code, designing systems, etc.). The conductor's job is to ensure that all these musicians work together harmoniously, playing the right notes at the right time to create a beautiful symphony. If one section of the orchestra is offbeat or playing too loudly, it disrupts the entire performance.
Similarly, an EM must ensure that the team is aligned, working towards a common goal, and that each member’s contributions are well-orchestrated. This involves not just technical oversight but also understanding the individual strengths and weaknesses of team members, guiding them to work together effectively, and ensuring that the team’s output aligns with the company’s strategic objectives.
The Gardener of Talent
This is one of my favourites. Another apt analogy is that of a gardener. An EM's role is to cultivate and grow the talent within the team, much like a gardener nurtures plants. This involves providing the right environment for growth—whether that’s through mentorship, opportunities for professional development, or ensuring that the team has the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Just as a gardener knows when to prune or when to water, an EM must know when to push team members to take on more challenging tasks or when to give them space to recover from a particularly intense project. The goal is to foster a team culture where individuals can thrive, grow, and contribute to the overall success of the organization.
The Shield & the Catalyst
In many ways, an EM is both a shield and a catalyst. On one hand, they protect their team from unnecessary distractions or demands that could derail progress. This might involve negotiating timelines with stakeholders, pushing back on unrealistic expectations, or ensuring that the team isn’t overloaded with too many tasks at once.
On the other hand, they are catalysts for change, driving improvements in processes, encouraging innovation, and helping the team navigate through challenges. For instance, during a system failure, an EM’s role isn’t just to manage the firefight but to analyze what went wrong, lead the post-mortem discussions, and implement changes to prevent future occurrences.
So, how do you prepare for this ever-evolving role?
This goes beyond technical skills - while a deep understanding of the technology stack is essential, aspiring EMs should also focus on developing soft skills—communication, empathy, and leadership.
Learn to Listen: Great EMs are great listeners. They understand the concerns of their team, the needs of the business, and the expectations of stakeholders. Practice active listening in meetings and one-on-ones.
Build Trust: Trust is the foundation of any effective team. Be transparent in your decisions, be consistent in your actions, and support your team in both successes and failures.
Understand Business Goals: An EM needs to understand the broader business objectives and how their team’s work contributes to these goals. This involves having regular discussions with other departments and staying informed about the company’s strategic direction.
Mentorship: Seek out mentors who have been in the role before. Learn from their experiences, both successes and failures.
Continuous Learning: Technology evolves rapidly, and so should you. Stay updated on industry trends, new management practices, and emerging technologies.
Crisis Management: Be prepared for the unexpected. Whether it's a system failure or a team conflict, how you handle crises will define your leadership.
Last words
In conclusion, the role of an Engineering Manager is multifaceted and demands a balance between technical expertise and leadership acumen. By preparing yourself with the right mindset, skills, and experience, you can not only excel in this role but also drive your team and company toward success.
Credits 🙏
Writers- Cheers to our guest writer, RJ from Microsoft!
Sponsors- Thanks to our sponsors Typo AI - Ship reliable software faster
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