What advice do you wish someone gave you when you moved from dev to management? | Hacker News Reader

What advice do you wish someone gave you when you moved from dev to management?

9 pointsohjeez4 comments

What advice would you give someone on how to make the transition from developer to project manager?

A freelancer is asking for input for an article. The goal is to share useful suggestions for someone who is contemplating making the change from "coder" to "new project manager" or "project lead." That advice could be based on your own experiences or watching others stumble.

Imagine that a friend just got such a promotion -- or has decided to look for a new job where she can move into project management. What would you tell her?

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Every developer is different and the most effective management is rooted in what they need, not what you needed when you were in their position.

In my case, as a developer, I was independently very responsible and communicative. I didn't need much attention to do my job well and could sometimes grow prickly under too much oversight. As long as my managers could answer (/dispatch) my questions and explain what they needed, things would just get done and risks/issues would be reported.

When I began managing projects, I learned that some developers would totally flounder if I managed them the way I had needed to be managed. Some needed me to anticipate their needs more pro-actively, some needed me to prompt them to report their concerns or to ask questions, some needed regular reporting or frequent deadlines just to stay on track, some needed very detailed guidance to feel confident about what they were doing, etc.

There wasn't anything worse about the work they'd do when well managed, but their needs were different.

Despite what some books and pundits might suggest, developer/project management is not a one-size-fits-all thing.

- Read this (and even if it's just for a peace of mind to feel prepared): https://www.amazon.com/Managers-Path-Leaders-Navigating-Grow...

- make sure this is something you want

First of all, don't do it if you really like to write code. Management is something completely different, so you'll get nothing but pain.

Second, never approach management like you approach coding. People are complicated and irrational.

Third, try to turn your department into a gang and yourself into a gang leader.

Start working on soft skills https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_skills

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