Is Now the Right Time to Become a Manager?
This is a classic question I’ve been asked many times, so I thought it would be a great first topic to kick off this newsletter series.
Hello! I am Sumitha, an engineering leader from the Bay Area. In this week’s newsletter, I’ve shared my framework for readiness assessment on when to become a manager. I hope you enjoy and share this with friends and colleagues!
Have you ever looked at the management team at your workplace and wondered if you could be among them?
At some point in their careers, many people ask themselves, “Is it time for me to make the leap from Individual Contributor (IC) to Manager?”. Here, I've jotted down my thoughts on when you should consider making this transition.
Career Crossroads: Manager vs. Individual Contributor
Many of us face this dilemma: Engineering Manager or Individual Contributor? Both path rocks and are often seen as similar, yet they are very different. No matter which path you choose, you’ll need a strong foundation in both technical and people management skills to make an impact and advance your career. Which one would you choose? This is a big topic in itself and I am hoping to write about it one day.
So, When’s the Right Time to Make the Switch?
My Transition
I switched to the management track around my fourth year as an engineer. Truth be told, it felt a bit early. Looking back, I kind of miss those IC days! I did pick up some IC work here and there. While it scratched the technical itch, it wasn’t quite the same. Switching between roles requires effort and comes with a cost.
Thinking more about IC to EM transitions and why they happen early:
Companies in hyper-growth mode might need to quickly create more leadership positions and manage expanding teams.
Departures can create leadership vacancies, and high-performing ICs may be seen as natural candidates to fill those roles.
Some individuals actively seek management opportunities, eager to build their leadership skills and take on new challenges.
Don’t let these situations decide your timeline. It’s clear: timing is crucial. ‘When’ you make the switch is important and can have a big impact on your career.
Assessing Your Readiness
Let me repeat, the timing of your transition to management can significantly impact your long-term career experience. So, how do you know if you’re ready to step up? Here are some key questions to ask yourself:
Have you built experience solving complex technical problems at high staff or even at senior staff level multiple times and across different environments?
Have you worked in a technical leadership capacity, for a few years and built leadership muscles influencing roadmaps and people?
Have you familiarized yourself with various tech stacks, including infrastructure, applications, and front-end systems? Understanding different tech stacks is useful as you advance in your career.
By honestly evaluating these questions, you can assess your readiness for a management role.
Pitfalls to Avoid Before Making Your Management Move
Don’t jump ship. When transitioning, prioritize familiarity. Aim to move into a management role within the same product area and company where you already possess strong technical knowledge.
Don’t attempt a management switch when you are new or facing challenges in your current role. A solid foundation ensures a smoother transition and allows you to revert to an IC role more easily if needed.
Don’t be fooled into thinking that management is easy. Effective management requires a new skill set.
Don’t make the switch because you’re tired of technical challenges. Management should not be seen as an escape route.
Fear of failure is natural, but don’t let it hold you back. Things might not go exactly as planned, but the lessons learned from a management stint will benefit you throughout your career, even as an IC.
As for the “when” question, there is no common answer. Evaluate your skills, experience, and aspirations to make an informed decision to avoid any regrets.
Enlightening and to the point! Thanks for sharing!