What are the Operational Areas of an Engineering Manager?

In the world of engineering management, understanding the operational areas is crucial. As an engineering manager, you need to navigate through different layers of responsibility, each with its own focus and impact.

1. People

Leadership starts with people. It's about fostering growth and providing regular feedback. You need to be seen as a credible leader, someone people want to work for and with. This involves staying technical enough to appreciate the work of your direct reports (DRs) and being a good collaborator. Remember, people leave bad relationships, not bad jobs.

2. Project/Product

Your team's direct impact is measured by the outcomes they deliver. It's not just about following orders but understanding the value of what you're building. Encourage your team to focus on outcomes rather than just outputs. This means delivering frequently and ensuring the work has real-world impact.

3. Engineering

Improving systems and processes is key to enhancing the developer experience (DX). This involves anticipating challenges and innovating proactive solutions. Encourage a culture of creativity where new ideas are welcomed and tested. It's about turning challenges into opportunities for growth.

4. Organization

At the organizational level, your role is to improve overall company health. This means enhancing how the company is perceived externally. Build strong relationships with stakeholders and align projects with broader business goals. Your aim is to ensure stakeholders are not just informed but are advocates for your team's projects.

The journey of an engineering manager is about operating in each level, moving from inside out and then back inside. It's a continuous cycle of growth and improvement, both for yourself and your team.