Any tips for the transition from IC to manager role? What things should i learn, what skills should I prioritize, how can I keep my reports happy and motivated? What about myself, what should I do to improve my own skills?
You need to become a master of spin. Have your directs believe that they are working on something very important and great for their career. Have your management believe your team is accomplishing more with more complex work that all your sibling teams. All the while doing your best to make them both true
Sad but true.
You mean all the while lying about it being true..
Get constant feedback from your team on your performance and how you can do better to support them
Also if there’s anyway you can continue to do some IC work, it can help you stay grounded and understand your team more
Welcome to the dark side 😀. Keep track of following vectors: - relations with the people above - these folks want to assess are you a safe pair of hands and get stuff done. They don’t care (yes really) if you know latest ML algo but can you corral a group, synthesize the output and deliver biz value. Here only your track record will help and takes time. - relations your peers - can partner with people, can you influence others who don’t report to you. Here you might have a tendency to show your personal tech skills instead focus on can you achieve the 1+1 = 3 stuff. Can you unblock your peer and allow them to succeed? - relations with your team - the goal is to not acquiesce to every demand. Make them part of process in defining team goals, be firm about poor performers (yes you need to be ready to PIP people). How can you help them grow? New technologies, education, more exposure to Directors and your boss? Establish and champion process (I know it sucks but that’s the job) - how has the business benefitted from your team. Has your team (not you) innovated, did they consistently deliver the last 10 projects on time? Have you enabled the team such that your peers are envious of you? This topic could easily be multi month conversation 😀. Good luck 👍🏽
This is the way
This is the way
Remember that from now on, you have only one tool to achieve your goals and deliver results: your team. If you communicate to them, verbally or otherwise, that you are not motivated and committed, don’t be surprised if they aren’t either. Show interest in their wellbeing and career. Don’t assume, be verbal about it. Ask them to tell what motivates and interests them, and use that information to your benefit.
When is it appropriate to be direct and when is it too overbearing to be direct? How do you figure out the line between micromanaging vs not giving enough attention?
Well, always be direct in a candid, don't beat around the bush type of way. But in general, seek to motivate with carrots, not whips. And feedback is only welcomed if there is first trust. People want feedback if they first trust you as a person and your motives. No one wants feedback from someone they don't trust. So don't start being all direct without earning their trust first
One of things I learned the hard way — let go of a lot of IC work (like coding, design, architecture)! Help others become better and deliver more. Constant feedback from the group you manage, from the people who manage you and XFN partners. Most of them, if not all, should enjoy working with you
please don’t become one like this Check out this post! "Dealing with incompetent managers? (Software Engineering)" https://us.teamblind.com/s/vN7cMHo8
Try to be a servant leader ! Remove Obstacles so they can move forward . Trust your team always to do the right thing , don’t micromanage . Always be compassionate. Be the manager you want to have for yourself. Develop emotional intelligence it’s very important for leader. You need to be aware of your emotions well before you can help your team.
I'd recommend to first really and truly "love" your team and everyone reporting to you. As a manager, you depend on your team to deliver result and your team depend on you to deliver reault. Ask your team members "how I can help you" and they will help you
Curious - I want to “love” my team and create a bond. But how do you do that knowing that up above is going to ask for a low performer. I feel like it is tricky to compliment anyone and form a bond due to this.
Agreed, be a servant leader. Treat your employees like you would your kids. You aren't going to let them fail. You aren't looking to fire them. Instead you are going to come alongside them and win together. Talk up you team in public, it reflects well on you and them. Always give the team credit in front of large audiences. Lastly, mentally shift your brain that you won't be doing and mentally taking pride in IC type work. You are now being paid for the output of the team. Their output is your output.
TC?
Sure. Currently 360kish, joined 3 years ago as 160k TC or so.
Congratz OP! How hard was becoming a M? Did you have to ask your current manager for it? How did it happen? Genuinely curious