[RamblingCTO]

I'll say it, even tho I'll drown in down votes: Your attitude gives me "walking red flag" vibes. It sounds paranoid and hostile. Why would I want someone with that attitude in my team or as a colleague?

A good manager supports your development, keeps an eye on the big picture (which is quite hard if you're working on the smallest unit of the company, e.g. code), and would also send you home if you work too much. Because time != productivity in general.

A promotion means flight risk? What?

Just a thought: If everyone else sucks, it can be time to look inward.

[alphazard]

I don't mind if you think I'm hostile. My understanding of management and it's role in organizations makes me a threat to many people's livelihoods. Maybe yours included. I would oppose hiring new managers, encourage people to choose companies with less management, dispel bad memes and conventional wisdom about what value, if any, management adds. I'm absolutely bad news.

Contrary to your insinuation, everyone does not suck. I've been fortunate enough to work with talented engineers, sales people, VPs, CTOs, CEOs, and founders. I have never come across a talented person who was brought on as a manager. And not one of these talented individuals needed to be managed.

[RamblingCTO]

> VPs, CTOs, CEOs, and founders

but aren't these also managers?

> Maybe yours included Not really, no. I'm a startup CTO and co-founder and don't consider myself a traditional manager. And, of course, my livelihood isn't endangered by a stranger on the internet ;)

It's not that I disagree, you know. It's the black-and-white smell the comment had. And at least for me it's not much about managing someone, but enabling someone. People are no machines. And most people aren't very good with the long term view in my experience. Be it less interest in what happens in the long run or just an attitude, that's what I noticed.

[alphazard]

> but aren't these also managers?

No, they were spread way too thin to possibly do anything in the featured article. They hired me and could have fired me though. If that's all a manager is, then yes--box checked.