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We're looking at two very different sides of the coin and likely working in different environments. Thoughtfully delegating project leadership helps engineers
by gregdoesit 7y ago
We're looking at two very different sides of the coin and likely working in different environments.
Thoughtfully delegating project leadership helps engineers grow their leadership skills. They learn how to make things happen and it sets them on the path of driving impact, even without authority.
It also helps the engineering manager - myself! - with potential succession planning. In fast-growth tech companies, it's not uncommon for third-half the engineering managers to be promoted from within.
I'm at four engineers who transitioned into engineering management in the company, as a lateral move, after gaining much-needed lead experience with projects like these. I'm also certain that these skills will help some of the other engineers take on lead roles in the current, or future companies.
>The cycle ends with the engineer exiting
Odd enough, all engineers who I've supported on taking lead roles in 3.5 years (about 20 of them) are all still with the company, and have moved upwards in responsibility/scope/level/pay in no small part thanks to hands-on leadership they keep demonstrating.
>the manager will link to a litany of excuses, they'll offer vague assurances, they'll encourage the engineer to exercise more leadership!
In practice - as well as in the guidance document[1], I specifically ask engineers to delegate upwards to their manager when they see a need: "Delegate where it makes sense. You can both delegate upwards (e.g. to your manager or PM) as well as to team members.". I often step in to help with things that are outside the scope of an engineer or where they struggle. Why on earth would I not help the project succeed?
All in all, it feels like you've not had good experience with managers or leading projects.
[1] https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kngKHUCS0DHNvZAO8PfkcsTD4Mq7b11L09RIaVpQnwI/edit# https://docs.google.com/document/d/1kngKHUCS0DHNvZAO8PfkcsTD...