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A comment on Ask HN: How to be an Individual Contributor with a higher salary than a manager?.

Re:Ask HN: How to be an Individual Contributor with a higher... by fpalmans on Saturday March 30, 2019 @11:29PM (#19533619)
Speaking from the perspective of a manager who had direct reports earning more than me.

1. Be good at what you do. This is a given. This also assumes that you do not require coaching to get better - you will just get better.

2. Be dependable. 100% dependable. Answer or return calls and emails promptly (within reason of course). Never, ever, miss your own deadlines. Make sure your manager is never blind-sighted.

3. Make it your primary focus to support your manager's success and his career. Be his eyes and ears, if need be.

[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: How to be an Individual Contributor with a higher... by muzani on Sunday March 31, 2019 @01:04AM (#19533993)
3 applies to almost every job with a manager. Even if you're just a janitor, being the eyes and ears of your manager lands you the best benefits.
[ Parent | on HN ]
Re:Ask HN: How to be an Individual Contributor with a higher... by fpalmans on Sunday March 31, 2019 @11:45PM (#19540310)
Very true. Though I should have been more clear in what I wished to express...

3. Be exclusively interested in supporting and progressing your manager's career.

Usually, you'd support your manager's success to drive your own success.

[ Parent | on HN ]