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Interesting - I've seen quite the opposite. That isn't to doubt your observation/experience, of course. I've seen extremely competent technical managers be utt

Interesting - I've seen quite the opposite. That isn't to doubt your observation/experience, of course. I've seen extremely competent technical managers be utterly unable to manage humans and try and impose their own technical decisions on those who are more than capable of making them themselves - all at the expense of what I would consider to be the 'real' management work. Additionally, "Awful engineers who are people people are not adequate management material." - nobody made mention of awful engineering in my question and I would suggest I am far from that.

HarryHirsch 3y ago
impose their own technical decisions on those who are more than capable of making them themselves Consensus-building is a major part of management, of course. Someone who can't do that shouldn't be managing. That said, now imagine a technologically clueless manager impose their own misconceptions on a team of experienced engineers, such doesn't go well for long. It's worse if the workplace is strictly hierarchical, as US workplaces will be. Moving from title-inflated midlevel engineering to management just isn't a good idea. Three years isn't enough - last week I actually interviewed for a laboratory management position at a certain institution where they were quite adamant that they were looking for perhaps 10 or 15 years experience, otherwise you cannot talk to research directors at eye level. The place is large, most of the work will be delegation and directing people. If they decide to extend an offer then the cup comes to me - facility management or people management, it's going to be a tough decision. The fact that the institution is self-aware enough to insist on that level of experience speaks in their favour, of course.
- mrroryflint 3y ago
  Again, interesting and useful points - thanks. I think the tone is a little sad, but I suppose it is hackernews after all! I appreciate the input.

HarryHirsch 3y ago

impose their own technical decisions on those who are more than capable of making them themselves Consensus-building is a major part of management, of course. Someone who can't do that shouldn't be managing. That said, now imagine a technologically clueless manager impose their own misconceptions on a team of experienced engineers, such doesn't go well for long. It's worse if the workplace is strictly hierarchical, as US workplaces will be. Moving from title-inflated midlevel engineering to management just isn't a good idea. Three years isn't enough - last week I actually interviewed for a laboratory management position at a certain institution where they were quite adamant that they were looking for perhaps 10 or 15 years experience, otherwise you cannot talk to research directors at eye level. The place is large, most of the work will be delegation and directing people. If they decide to extend an offer then the cup comes to me - facility management or people management, it's going to be a tough decision. The fact that the institution is self-aware enough to insist on that level of experience speaks in their favour, of course.

mrroryflint 3y ago
Again, interesting and useful points - thanks. I think the tone is a little sad, but I suppose it is hackernews after all! I appreciate the input.