The best managers I’ve had have been formerly great engineers, or Product people who understand the importance of engineers. I’m sure there are good managers wh

The best managers I’ve had have been formerly great engineers, or Product people who understand the importance of engineers. I’m sure there are good managers who were not god engineers, but it’s certainly harder for them to grow into such a role. The best managers try to understand different perspectives including yours. They must must must be good listeners, otherwise they can never truly understand what their reports really want. The best managers understand what’s important for every member of their team and try to create environments conducive for their growth. Being a good manager is a rare skill. Some are born with it; but it’s a skill that can be learned by those who listen. Most managers unfortunately have a messed up paradigm of themselves and how they relate to the world, and most will actually create more obstacles rather than clear them.