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I've been a "senior developer" for several years and just moved to a formal management role with direct reports. Briefly, here's where I would suggest you start.

1. Read the book Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink. I'm not the first to suggest this book but it has fundamentally shaped how I work and how I interact with others.

2. Try to write. I'd start with writing your "Manager Readme" file even if you don't plan to share it with anyone. Defining expectations is critical and it's start with understanding your own psyche. What is important to you? What are your expectations for someone? The internet is filled with examples of Manager Readme's along with posts that are totally for this idea and totally against. You can find mine without too much trouble if you check my comment history and find my GitHub.

Good luck.




> Read the book Extreme Ownership

That idea and set of principles is something I'm kind of surprised hasn't become more widespread. It also changed my approach in a fundamental way and is one of those things I wish I had learned a long time ago.

Also I've found his Good concept a useful way to stay positive:

Oh, the mission got canceled? Good… We can focus on another one. Didn’t get the new high-speed gear we wanted? Good… We can keep it simple. Didn’t get promoted? Good… More time to get better. Didn’t get funded? Good… We own more of the company. Didn’t get the job you wanted? Good… Go out, gain more experience, and build a better resume. Got injured? Good… Needed a break from training. Got tapped out? Good… It’s better to tap out in training than tap out on the street. Got beat? Good… We learned.


I feel you, brother.

fist bump




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