I know this view is not shared by all leaders, but my experiences across technology organisations ranging from startups to enterprise are consistent – first-line managers with technical backgrounds make a significant difference in the performance of their team and this ultimately improves the success of the company.
Firstly, they can better understand and empathise with their team members’ work and challenges, resulting in a more cohesive and motivated team.
Secondly, they can make better-informed decisions as they understand the technical requirements and constraints of the project – particularly around resourcing, timelines and complexity.
Lastly, they can communicate more effectively with the team, other departments and stakeholders, avoiding misunderstandings and enabling more efficient delivery.
However, it is crucial to emphasise that having a technical background in the team’s discipline does not mean that the manager should do the work themselves. Instead, it is essential that the manager focuses on leadership and uses their technical background to support the team in achieving its objectives.
While the manager may need to provide technical guidance or review code, they should ensure they are not getting too “hands-on” and lost in the detail. The manager’s primary role is to set priorities, manage resources, and create a positive culture of teamwork and collaboration.
Coming from a technical background myself, this has been a trap that I’ve fallen into myself on several occasions.
Fortunately, it has never been easier for managers to develop their technical skills, with many online training and certification providers available. Some of the top providers include Udacity, Coursera, edX, Pluralsight and LinkedIn Learning. The costs of such training are typically covered by the employer under training and development budgets.
It is also essential to note that technical training should be done in parallel with leadership training. A manager with technical skills but no leadership skills is unlikely to be successful.
All things considered, I strongly recommend that first-line managers of technology teams have a strong technical background in that team’s area of expertise. As a senior manager, I have seen the benefits firsthand, and I believe it is a critical factor in the success of technology teams. Technical skills can help the manager better understand and communicate with the team, make better decisions, and ultimately drive better results.
Now, change my mind! 😁
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