Re:Things I've learned in my 10 years as an engineering manager
by Scubabear68 on Monday January 26, 2026 @09:11AM
(#46765827)
> They protect the team from unnecessary stress and pressure, but don’t hide reality from them.
I was going to highlight this as well, but it is also one of the trickiest parts of the equation, because by definition this inevitably involves a lot of politics and social implications.
What I have learned over the years: let the overall direction, and also the overall competitive pressures, filter down through your umbrella. But shield them from the details and your specific efforts here, unless it is relevant.
Maybe even more important, though - recognize inflection points in your company and your group. How you manage during routine times and during stressful times may well be very different. If they're not, then you have a serious problem.
Re:Things I've learned in my 10 years as an engineering manager
by ghaff on Monday January 26, 2026 @09:21AM
(#46765948)
I agree with that. It's useful for (most) people to understand the overall environment the company is operating in. Probably less every top-down decision the company is making.
I was going to highlight this as well, but it is also one of the trickiest parts of the equation, because by definition this inevitably involves a lot of politics and social implications.
What I have learned over the years: let the overall direction, and also the overall competitive pressures, filter down through your umbrella. But shield them from the details and your specific efforts here, unless it is relevant.
Maybe even more important, though - recognize inflection points in your company and your group. How you manage during routine times and during stressful times may well be very different. If they're not, then you have a serious problem.