Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager • James Stanier & Gergely Orosz • GOTO 2023

Learn how to become an effective software engineering manager by prioritizing well-being, setting a safety net, and focusing on what you can control. Discover strategies for leading by example, continuous learning, and adapting to unique situations.

Key takeaways

It’s volatile, management is a safety net, and it’s never your fault.
As a manager, you need to balance the needs of the team, stakeholders, and your own well-being.
Effective managers are decisive, open-minded, and understanding of what they can control.
Emergency savings and a clear purpose are essential for success.
Every situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to management.
Management is a craft that requires continuous learning and improvement.
It’s crucial to prioritize self-care, recognizing that you can’t pour from an empty cup.
Effective management involves setting a safety net, defining career tracks, and understanding what you can control.
Managers should lead by example, be accountable for the work, and prioritize well-being.
Writing down your thoughts and experiences can help you synthesize what you’ve learned and share valuable insights with others.
Every experience is an opportunity to learn and grow, and managers should aim to be open-minded and adaptable.
It’s essential to understand what you can control and focus on building strengths rather than trying to fix weaknesses.
Creating emergency savings and setting a safety net can help mitigate the stress of unexpected circumstances.
Every situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to management.
Effective managers are empathetic, understanding, and willing to learn from their experiences.

Become an Effective Software Engineering Manager • James Stanier & Gergely Orosz • GOTO 2023

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