The Programmer's Path To Management

snydeq writes: The transition from command line to line-of-command requires a new mind-set — and a thick skin, writes InfoWorld's Paul Heltzel in a tips-based article aimed at programmers interested in breaking into management. "Talented engineers may see managing a team as the next step to growing their careers. So if you're moving in this direction, what tools do you need to make the transition? We'll look at some possible approaches, common pitfalls — and offer solutions."

Comments

Um.. we don't see it as advancing our career

[rsilvergun]

At least in America if you don't move into management you're dead meat by 40, 50 tops (unless you're some sort of genetic freak). Around that time it becomes impossible to put in the 50+ hour work weeks at a moments notice let alone compete with cheap H-1b labor. It's not even age discrimination. They don't care that you're old, they care that you either can't or won't put in tons of overtime they don't pay you for.

Toughest part in transition

[Sivaraj]

I have been a programmer for all of my career, and had management roles in the past 10 years to varying degrees. Over this period, I have also mentored other technical team members in transitioning to management roles. The toughest part of that process is in learning the ability to delegate. This is especially tough for talented programmers.

You often feel that it is easier for you to do a particular task yourself rather than delegating. It may be true that you might finish the work in tenth of the time it takes someone else to do, and you may be spending more time in explaining it to others. But at some point you have to stop doing it, start trusting others to deliver, and don't meddle with their work too often. Once you learn how to do it, you are well on your way to becoming a successful manager.

Re:Don't Do IT!

[anchovy_chekov]

As someone who transitioned from Jockey to ShitMover I can assure you the move isn't worth the headaches. I used to work with a great bunch of like minded people who where interested in creation. Now i work with a bunch of egotistical idiots who just want to push stuff they know is garbage over the line just so they can get ticks against their name and get out before it blows up.

Absolutely agree with the AC here. I made the move to management about 10 years ago and consider this a lost decade. Moved back to coding as a freelance and loving it.

If you must, then at least learn some of the disciplines around management. Take some time to read up on management systems that actually work (e.g. Toyota Production System) and don't lose sight of your analytical past. I found the skills developed as a coder - being able to break a problem down into smaller parts, using empirical techniques to determine whether an approach would (or did) work... using logic and evidence - were of paramount importance to succeeding as a manager.

On the flip side, I found a lot of magical thinking on the part of other managers - refusing to believe what maths or reason made self-evident. That's where people skills come in - getting people over the hump of their own prejudices or wishful thinking. Get the mix right and you'll shine.

Good luck in any case.