This is definitely not universal. I'm at my 3rd organization in an engineering management capacity, and only the 1st one where I grew into the role didn't both

This is definitely not universal. I'm at my 3rd organization in an engineering management capacity, and only the 1st one where I grew into the role didn't both put me through the technical gauntlet and explicitly interview for people leadership skills and experience. I think the challenge is that management is a more subtle skill with longer lead times to positive outcomes. There is no testable analogy for the coding challenge or take home project. >> Talent dominates technique. I really don't like this as it implies some sort of naturally leader vs. skill development over time. We'd do much better to optimize for affinity, desire and coachability in potential leaders.