From Developer to Technical Manager - A Survival Guide

In this talk, I shared my career journey of transitioning from a "Senior Developer to a Technical Manager role", what surprised me, what preconceived assumptions were busted, key challenges faced and dilemmas developers usually face, and some insights that can help an aspirant prepare better.

This talk was delivered at DevFest Munich 2023 https://gdg.community.dev/events/details/google-gdg-munich-presents-devfest-munich-2023/

Transcript

1. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich Wahib Ul Haq Hello
2. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq From Developer to Technical Manager Missing Coding? What do you even do? Imposter syndrome? A SURVIVAL GUIDE
3. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
4. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
5. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
6. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich Career Journey… Education Developer Android Developer (2011 - 2019) Started getting Active in Community Developer Advocate Developer Advocate @Huawei (2019 - 2020) Co-launched @DevRelMunich Meetup Technical Manager Tech Program Manager @Huawei (2020 - 2022) Sr. Program Manager @diconium (2023 - now) 02 03 04 01
7. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
8. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
9. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq Move from Dev to X Manager ➔ Promotion at current Company ➔ Role Evolves (Need-Driven) ➔ Search and Move to a new role in a new Company ➔ Other Reasons
10. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq Source: https://codecapsule.com Move from Dev to X Manager Source: https://www.quora.com/profile/Dmitry-Shvetsov-2
11. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
12. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq The Days of Homogenous and Organized Work are Gone First Impressions
13. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq Days are always occupied but no “real” feeling of Accomplishment First Impressions
14. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq Coder → Content Creator First Impressions
15. #DevFestMunich @wahibhaq Life of Managers is not Easy Peasy First Impressions
16. “60% of new managers fail within the first two years.” (CEB Global) Photo by Brusk Dede on Unsplash
17. Photo by Brusk Dede on Unsplash “Transition failures happen because new leaders either misunderstand the essential demands of the situation or lack the skill and flexibility to adapt to them." (The First 90 Days)
18. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich Some Survival Tenets Character Be consistently reliable Mindset Growth Mindset Upskilling Identify gaps, Learn, Use Relationships Connect, build good rapport, seek/offer help
19. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich Read Personalities. Act accordingly. Stakeholder Management. Fulfill Expectations. RACI matrix. Build your “braintrust”. Seek help. Build your Social Capital at workplace. Build your allies. Set boundaries early. Protect your mental well-being. Juggle time effectively with diverse nature of topics. Focus on Impact. Eisenhower Matrix. Transform Complex details to Simpler Messaging. Actionable. Presentations. Appealing. O Audience-driven. One-Pagers. Business Communication. Clear. Nonviolent Communication. Business Case Proposals. To get buy-ins. 4W1H Framework. Shift. Think like a leader. Success Metrics/Expectations are diff now. Don’t expect laid out plans. Be Patient. Expect uncertainty. Adapt. Keep Adding Value, Proactively. Make it visible. Pragmatic > Perfectionist. Figure out fast. Don’t become a blocker. Title shouldn’t limit you. Big picture. Stop underselling yourself. But it also not a popularity contest. Mindset Upskilling Relationships
20. @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich
21. CREDITS: This presentation template was created by Slidesgo, including icons by Flaticon and infographics & images by Freepik @wahibhaq #DevFestMunich Thanks! linktree.com/wahibhaq @wahibhaq speakerdeck.com/wahibhaq Let’s connect Do you have any questions?