20091008

The Case for Management

These are tough times for sure, and everybody is feeling the pressure. Even if you have a job [which most people still do thank God], you are constantly bombarded with bad news about people who don't. Or companies cutting back. Or depressing statistics about the economy.
The latest way companies appear to be slimming down, although on the surface not that crazy, does concern me however. Many companies advertise for "hands on" managers. This in my opinion could be a problem. It might signify that companies are trying to get away without adequate management. And that would be dangerous.
Of course, it is always desirable to have managers who know what the heck their employees are doing. Managers who understand a lot about the details of their employees duties are always desirable over those who do not have a clue about the work being done under them. And if this is what's meant by "hands on" then I completely and entirely agree with this goal. However, if this practice is meant to mean that the "manager" is simply another engineer who "likes to manage as a sideline", then most companies are in for a shock. I guarantee it.
Management is not a sideline. It is not a hobby to be practiced leisurely by someone who would rather be doing something else. No, rather it is a job. A full-time job. And much more.
It is a managers job to pull the absolute best business results out of all the people who report to them, while at the same time striving to make their reports feel great about their jobs and the company. This is not easy, and if anybody thinks it is, then please explain to me why there are so many folks out there frustrated with their jobs and their companies. The reason is simple. No one is focusing on management. And just like anything else, when you don't focus on it, you mess it up.
I know it's alluring to think a coder can also manage in his spare time. I know you think you can save money, and in the short term you actually can. But in the long term, you will pay in spades.
Don't agree? Let me know.