This is so crucial. I've had managers who were ex-developers and I've had managers who are managers first and not subject matter experts. The unifying quality among the good ones was that they aren't really leaders, they're facilitators.
- They get you what you need to do your job.
- They shield you from product owners and stakeholders by meeting with them and giving you only the information you need (unless it's necessary you meet with them).
- They advocate for you and your work.
- They give constructive feedback and insight to help you improve.
- They never try to stand between you and the advancement of your career.
Again, they facilitate. They facilitate the goals of the team and they facilitate your career development. I had one manager who said his sole mission was to get developers promoted out of his team. He wanted to make developers better. It can be very frustrating to find talent if you can't nurture it but I think great managers create an atmosphere where people thrive and become better in the company of their team.
- They get you what you need to do your job. - They shield you from product owners and stakeholders by meeting with them and giving you only the information you need (unless it's necessary you meet with them). - They advocate for you and your work. - They give constructive feedback and insight to help you improve. - They never try to stand between you and the advancement of your career.
Again, they facilitate. They facilitate the goals of the team and they facilitate your career development. I had one manager who said his sole mission was to get developers promoted out of his team. He wanted to make developers better. It can be very frustrating to find talent if you can't nurture it but I think great managers create an atmosphere where people thrive and become better in the company of their team.