Ask HN: Software engineers, what do you look for in a good manager? I've been in the startup world going on 13 years with about 8+ of them in a lead,manager,director,BP, and even cto capacity. Lead teams as small as 3 and as big as 30. So I'm curious what makes a good manager to you? I always took what I liked from old bosses and "disgarded" behaviors I did not like. So when looking for or working at a job what do you look for in a leader/boss? |
In terms of honesty and transparency I feel being open and honest to a fault is the best practice. That and also having.my directs feel comfortable challenging me... I make the final decision but its thoes under me who do the work.
Lastly I personally hate "hands on" management roles... all that does is two things:
- have two critical paths... one for managment bullshit plus individual contributor work that are always in conflict
- make me just a god level tech lead as if I am working on a system of course ill.choose tools and processes that fit me best as an IC.