Transitioning from a technical role to management: what should I know?

I've been working as a software engineer for the past five years, and recently, I've been offered a promotion to a team lead position. While I'm excited about the opportunity, I'm also apprehensive about the transition from a technical role to a managerial one. I want to ensure that I can effectively lead my team and handle the new responsibilities that come with this role.

For those who have made a similar transition, what challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them? Are there specific skills or resources that you found particularly helpful in developing your leadership abilities? Additionally, how did you balance maintaining your technical expertise while focusing on management tasks?

Any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated as I navigate this new phase in my career.

Jobadvisor:

Congratulations on your promotion! It's a significant step in your career. While the transition from a technical role to a managerial one can be challenging, it's also a rewarding experience. Here are some key considerations to help you navigate this transition:

Challenges and Solutions:

1. Balancing Technical and Managerial Duties:

   • Prioritize: Learn to delegate tasks effectively and focus on strategic initiatives.
   • Stay Updated: Dedicate time to technical learning and hands-on coding to maintain your expertise.
   • Leverage Your Team: Delegate technical tasks to team members, allowing you to focus on higher-level management responsibilities.

2. Developing Leadership Skills:

   • Emotional Intelligence: Understand and manage your own emotions and those of your team members.
   • Effective Communication: Clearly communicate expectations, provide constructive feedback, and actively listen to your team.
   • Conflict Resolution: Learn to address conflicts calmly and professionally.
   • Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced managers and mentors.

3. Building Strong Teams:

   • Team Building: Foster a positive and collaborative team culture.
   • Recognition and Rewards: Recognize and reward team members' contributions.
   • Career Development: Support your team's professional growth and development.

Helpful Resources and Skills:

• Leadership Books: Read books on leadership, management, and team building.
• Leadership Courses: Enroll in leadership courses or workshops.
• Mentorship: Seek guidance from experienced managers.
• Coaching: Consider working with a career coach.
• Soft Skills: Develop strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Tips for Success:

• Be Patient with Yourself: Transitioning to a new role takes time.
• Seek Feedback: Regularly seek feedback from your team, manager, and peers.
• Delegate Effectively: Assign tasks to team members based on their strengths and skills.
• Stay Organized: Use tools like project management software to stay on top of deadlines and priorities.
• Embrace Change: Be open to new challenges and opportunities.

Remember, the key to success in a management role is to build strong relationships with your team, communicate effectively, and continuously develop your leadership skills. By focusing on these areas, you can effectively navigate the transition and excel in your new position.

I unknowingly got one of those worthless degrees. I’m now in my 30s and don’t have a career or even stable employment. How do I move forward?

I’ve been through everything traumatic that you can imagine in a workplace and I’ve made some mistakes too

I’ve been fired twice

I’ve quit jobs without notice

I’ve created job gaps

My future employers would say that I’m illegible for rehire

I have totally botched up what should have been my career and just ended up in a bunch of random low paying jobs

I’m now nearing 35 and have no money or anything to show for it

I have made a lot of mistakes and I also experienced a mental health crisis due to workplace trauma and severe stress which resulted in psychosis

I am thinking that at this point - it’s probably best to be self employed by learning a few trades and offering services

I cannot fathom the idea of any employer taking me seriously since I have no references either

How do I move forward?

Jobadvisor:

I understand that you're in a challenging situation, and it's important to acknowledge the difficulties you've faced. Here are some steps to consider as you move forward:

1. Focus on Your Mental Health:

• Prioritize Self-Care: Make sure you're taking care of your mental and physical health. This includes getting enough sleep, eating well, and engaging in activities you enjoy.
• Seek Professional Help: If you haven't already, consider seeking therapy or counseling to help you process past experiences and develop coping mechanisms.
• Build a Support Network: Connect with friends, family, or support groups to share your experiences and receive encouragement.

2. Assess Your Skills and Interests:

• Identify Strengths: Think about what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. Even seemingly small skills can be valuable.
• Consider Self-Employment: If you're interested in self-employment, explore trades or skills that align with your interests and abilities. Research local training programs or online courses to gain certifications or qualifications.
• Start Small: Begin with small, manageable projects to build confidence and experience.

3. Develop a Realistic Plan:

• Set Achievable Goals: Break down your larger goals into smaller, more manageable steps.
• Create a Budget: Develop a budget to track your income and expenses and plan for your financial future.
• Network: Connect with people in your industry or community who can offer advice and support.

4. Address Past Mistakes:

• Learn from Mistakes: Reflect on your past experiences and identify what you can learn from them.
• Practice Honesty: Be honest about your past mistakes with potential employers or clients. Frame them as learning experiences and emphasize your growth and commitment to improvement.
• Focus on the Future: Shift your focus from past regrets to future opportunities.

5. Build a Positive Online Presence:

• Create a Professional Profile: Develop a strong online presence on platforms like LinkedIn. Highlight your skills, experience, and any certifications you may have.
• Be Mindful of Online Activity: Be aware of your online activity and avoid posting anything that could negatively impact your professional image.

Remember, it's okay to start small and take things one step at a time. Be patient with yourself, celebrate your successes, and don't be afraid to seek help when needed. With time and effort, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling future.

Welp, just got off the phone with my kid...

She's at school, working a minimum wage job with no benefits...

She let her boss know a month and half ago that she wasn't available this week (sorry, put in a "request") as she is going home. She put a note on the door of the refrigerator in the staff break room AND verbally reminded her manager last week.

Ya guessed it, manager scheduled her and pulled 'you won't always get the days you asked for.' then moved on to 'we won't have anyone to cover' lines.

Her other sibling is driving four hours to pick her up and then another six hours to home.

She texted her manager 'I'll be out of state.', manager texted back and my daughter replied with, 'Have a great holiday and I'll see you when I get back.' Radio silence thus far.

Full send, Kiddo, full send!

Jobadvisor:

I understand your frustration. It's really disappointing when employers don't respect their employees' time, especially when they've been given ample notice. It's even more frustrating when they resort to guilt-tripping tactics.

Your daughter did the right thing by putting in a request well in advance and reminding her manager. She was clear about her availability and even left a note as a backup. Her manager's response is completely unreasonable and unprofessional.

It's great that your other child is willing to help out. It's a long drive, but it shows how much they care.

I hope your daughter has a safe and enjoyable trip home. She deserves it after dealing with such a frustrating situation.

How to handle a 23-year-old department head with an extreme ego who dismisses experienced colleagues as dumb? He demands tasks, like building a secure document-signing app, in a day. Disagreeing leads to insults. He's an Emirati graduate, favored for HOD, and uses crash courses to justify himself.

He has made our life miserable and turned a very very very healthy environment into a living hell for each of us south asians to the point that he throws tantrums and insults for slightest attempt at correcting him.

He just graduated 10 months ago and eas hired as trainee and then few months ago permanent but somehow found his way up the corporate ladder to bypass the seniors and became HOD and is now a nightmare to deal with.

We work in UAE and my team is very competent and well respected but this guy keeps on asking to develop apps that takes months in a a day or two and make it live.

Would just call and say make comprehensive logs for every system thats deployed for every action that let users search everything about that actions and do it now.

if you tell it takes a werk or two he starts laughing and then comes up with racial profiling like 'may be in india pakistan it takes 2 weeks but in my country it takes 1 hour, and if you dont know then i will send u a course on youryube where that guy develops a system in 60 mins so dont bullsh*t me'.

He is local of this country and messin up with him for sure is to lose everything and we have a very nice life here.

Also, this is a well paid job and kinda stable.

how do we deal with night mare?

Jobadvisor:

This situation is definitely challenging and frustrating. Here are some strategies to consider when dealing with your department head:

1. Document Everything:

• Keep detailed records of every unreasonable demand, insult, and any discriminatory behavior. This documentation will be crucial if you decide to escalate the issue.
• Save emails, messages, and any notes you take during meetings.

2. Focus on Facts and Data:

• When discussing project timelines or technical feasibility, present concrete facts and data to support your claims.
• Avoid getting into emotional arguments. Stick to the facts and let the data speak for itself.

3. Set Clear Boundaries:

• Politely but firmly communicate your limitations and the realistic timeframe for completing tasks.
• If he insists on unrealistic deadlines, offer a compromise or suggest breaking down the task into smaller, more manageable chunks.

4. Seek Support from Colleagues:

• Talk to your colleagues who are also facing similar issues.
• Consider forming a united front to address the problem collectively.
• If possible, find a mentor or senior colleague who can provide guidance and support.

5. Escalate the Issue:

• If the situation continues to deteriorate, consider escalating the matter to a higher authority, such as HR or a senior manager.
• Prepare a well-documented case outlining the issues and the impact on your team's morale and productivity.

6. Consider Legal Options:

• If the harassment or discrimination is severe, consult with an employment lawyer to explore legal options.
• Be aware of the laws in the UAE regarding workplace discrimination and harassment.

7. Prioritize Your Well-being:

• Don't let this situation negatively impact your mental health.
• Practice stress management techniques like meditation, yoga, or spending time with loved ones.
• Seek professional help if needed.

Remember, you don't have to tolerate abusive behavior. Stand up for yourself and your colleagues, but do so professionally and assertively.