Engineering management (when done right) has some key benefits - protect the team from bullshit corporate politics / micromanagement (pad the team estimates wi

Engineering management (when done right) has some key benefits - protect the team from bullshit corporate politics / micromanagement (pad the team estimates with a buffer / push back on management unrealistic expectations) - help team member fulfill their potential and grow outside their comfort zone - give the team credit when credit is due (help shy people be seen etc) - promote good people (and fire toxic / bad performers that drag the team down) - help the team prioritize / prevent going into rabbit holes - help the team get to decisions faster - hire good people - provide training - provide budget / enable / arrange fun activities (offsite / hackathons) - ensure inclusive environment (give room for introverts to speak their mind in a non awkward way / make sure not only extroverts are speaking in meetings by splitting to smaller groups / doing activities that are async e.g. writing ideas anonymously via virtual post it notes etc) All of this can be done by a good peer or mentor, doesn't have to be a manager, but it sure helps if your manager is also a mentor.