How hands-on should an engineering manager be, and what do we lose or gain as we move away from the code? In this episode we dig into the messy middle between technical work, people leadership and the hunt for that spark that keeps us excited.
Using our own careers as the backdrop, we unpack what “hands-on” really means.
Is it code, system thinking, process, delivery, people, or all of it at once?
We talk about losing technical confidence, finding excitement again, navigating vulnerability, and working out when you’re still adding value… or just getting in the way.
And yes, unicycles somehow made it into the episode.
If this sparks any thoughts, tell us what you think about the episode or about being hands-on yourself. You can find us both on LinkedIn.
00:00 – Intro and what we mean by “hands-on”
01:23 – Code, contribution and confidence
04:35 – Technical work beyond coding
08:39 – Losing old skills and chasing excitement
11:54 – Enabling engineers and knowing who to bring in
18:51 – Vulnerability, updates and not knowing the detail
22:22 – Learning complexity over time
26:39 – EMs without engineering backgrounds
29:56 – Missing hands-on work and finding balance
31:52 – EM archetypes and where we fit
45:42 – Staying technical through side projects
48:03 – What we miss, what excites us and takeaways
53:46 – How to share feedback and keep the chat going
Pat Kua’s 5 Engineering Manager Archetypes: https://www.patkua.com/blog/5-engineering-manager-archetypes/
Simon Wardley - From here to there and back again: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEjjCI3kTM4
Tell us what you think about the episode or about being hands-on yourself:
Si on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sijobling
Neil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilyounger
Created by Si Jobling and Neil Younger
Recorded and edited in Descript
Hosted on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube
Produced, artwork and publishing by Unstyled Studios
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