Welcome to our comprehensive series on the art and science of building exceptional engineering teams. As we embark on this journey together, let’s start with a fundamental question that lies at the heart of engineering leadership:

“What is the job of an Engineering Manager?”

If you were to ask me this question, my answer would be simple yet profound: “Building Awesome Teams.”

This straightforward statement encapsulates the essence of engineering management, a role that extends beyond technical oversight or project management. Building awesome teams is a continuous process that begins the moment you start hiring and continues through every stage of an engineer’s journey with your team, right up to and including the point when they move on to new challenges.

Tech: A People Problem in Disguise

One of the most crucial insights that any engineering leader can gain is this: Tech is, first and foremost, a people problem. The sooner you realize this truth, the sooner you’ll start winning at tech.

Yes, we work with complex systems, intricate code, and cutting-edge technologies. But at the end of the day, it’s people who write the code, design the systems, and push the boundaries of what’s possible. It’s people who collaborate, innovate, and turn ideas into reality. And it’s people who can make or break a project, a product, or even an entire company.

Exploring the Art of Team Building

In this series, we’ll dive deep into all aspects of building awesome teams. We’ll cover topics such as:

1. Hiring: How to attract, identify, and onboard the right talent for your team.
2. Performance Management: Strategies for nurturing growth, providing feedback, and helping your team members excel.
3. Execution: Techniques for forming effective teams, collaborating across departments, and delivering results.
4. Managing Exits: How to handle both voluntary and involuntary departures in a way that respects individuals and maintains team morale.

Each of these topics is crucial in its own right, but they also interlink and influence each other. By mastering these areas, you’ll be well on your way to building and maintaining truly awesome teams.

Why This Matters

In the fast-paced world of technology, having a high-performing team isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a necessity. They’re better equipped to solve complex problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and deliver value to your organization and its customers.

Moreover, awesome teams create a positive feedback loop. They attract more great talent, inspire each other to greater heights, and create an environment where everyone can do their best work. As an engineering manager, there’s no greater satisfaction than seeing your team thrive and achieve things they never thought possible.

Join Us on This Journey

Whether you’re a seasoned engineering leader or just starting your management journey, this series has something for you. We’ll blend theoretical insights with practical advice, drawing on real-world experiences and best practices from the field.

So, are you ready to dive in and start building awesome teams? Let’s begin this exciting journey together!

Stay tuned for our first installment in the series