I spent most of my life as a programmer, yet much of my professional career working as engineering manager (or tech lead manager – a role I wrote about in the past that I believe is perfect for the new era). If I’m being honest, I was a bit burned out and disillusioned about management when I started my own company, and didn’t think I’d want to become a manager again.
Yet, through some career detours, that is exactly what happened. It’s somewhat poetic too, as the first team I managed was JavaScript Infrastructure and the current team I work with is focused on much of the same.
At first, I felt a bit rusty and it led me to re-read everything I previously wrote about management. I was surprised how many of the principles I wrote about back then have held up well – despite all the changes that AI has brought about. The only material difference is that I believe in an even more aggressive form of async work, and fewer meetings. One other thing that may be hard to believe: my tolerance for bullshit is even lower than before. I have to admit, it’s very fun. There and back again.