Ask HN: Resources for software managers?

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7 points by devmgr 3562 days ago

I'm a software engineer that's moved into the management role in the last few years. For the most part, it's been a great transition and my teams are running well. I've got 3 teams with a total of 14 people in multiple offices. We're working on interesting projects, profitable and growing, and for the most part, I really enjoy my work.

However, I don't think that's necessarily due to me knowing what I'm doing. I think it's mainly due to having good people on my teams and good organizational support.

I have found all sorts of management training online. I've listened to things like the Manager Tools podcast and read various books (like Managing Humans and other more serious management books like Peopleware). I've looked for conferences or trainings that might be relevant (like Calibrate https://www.calibratesf.com/).

It seems like there's a lot of material for management in general, but not a lot for software engineering management in particular. Additionally, there's little to no peer network (at least in my area) where I can learn from what others or doing or discuss challenges I'm facing.

I have two questions:

1. Are there resources out there I'm missing?

2. Is there interest in starting a group or peer network?

2 comments

romanhn 3561 days ago

There is a Slack group dedicated to engineering leadership that was started by Michael Lopp, author of Managing Humans. There are 200+ channels and 2000+ participants, with interesting conversations happening all the time. You can request an invite here: http://randsinrepose.com/welcome-to-rands-leadership-slack/.

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SnailWizard 3562 days ago

I'd be interested in at least a list of references to read, listen to, or watch.

I've moved into management over the past year or so myself, and while I have one small team I'd like to make sure I have similar online resources for management like I do for developing software. I'd like to make sure I'm a decent manager and stay a decent manager for my employees.

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devmgr 3562 days ago

Are there any particular areas of help you're looking for?

One think I would like to have a better grasp on is performance review. As engineers, my team's work is a mix of tangible and intangible. How do I measure that? How can I evaluate their progress and growth?

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