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"get you what you need", really means navigate the bureaucratic wasteland "act as an umbrella", really means protect you from other managers "look out for you
by nahname 14y ago
"get you what you need", really means navigate the bureaucratic wasteland
"act as an umbrella", really means protect you from other managers
"look out for your interests". That one is interesting, who looks out for your interests better than yourself?
"stay focused". Same as looking out for your own interests. If you are your own manager, you will know what actually needs to be worked on.
Removing management/bureaucracy isn't simple, but it is pretty depressing how much of it is for it's own sake.
- jarek 14y ago> "act as an umbrella", really means protect you from other managers Eh, not only. Other non-management employees can mess up your time quite effectively, as can people you're working with outside your company (clients, vendors). Sure you can shield yourself from it if you try... or you could exploit division of labour and get someone to do it for you so you can concentrate on what you do best.
- Splines 14y agoExperienced well-rounded employees can mostly take care of themselves (and know when to say "no"). It's the new-hires and rough-around-the-edges people that require more hand holding and can benefit more greatly from a manager.
- scott_w 14y agoYes, they can. But that distracts us from our core job: writing code. A good manager can get others off your back much quicker and shield you from the political fallout that can occur - essentially being the bad guy for you.