Command of the team
The SE Manager role is hard, and it is very different from being an SE. Just because you are an amazing SE, this will not necessarily translate to being an amazing SE Manager. You will have to completely re-tool yourself, and understanding the details of this is hopefully something you fully explore before shaking hands with your SE Director, congratulating you on your new role!
When we talk about having command of the team, we are referencing a combination of understanding and influence. This important and very core function is typically the largest change to a new SE Manager. When you move from an individual contributor role into leadership, your ability to pivot so that constructive function is being invested into your team is crucial and yet will be a very new experience.
Establishing team culture
When you first take command of an SE team, one of the initial tasks is to empower your team with cultural swim lanes. Believe me, until you do this, there...