Software development managers are responsible for leading, coordinating, and delivering complex software projects in the enterprise context. They need to have a combination of technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to succeed in this role. In this article, we will explore what skills set the best software development managers apart from the rest.
Software development managers need to have a solid understanding of the technologies, tools, and processes involved in software development. They should be able to evaluate the technical feasibility, quality, and risks of different solutions, and provide guidance and feedback to their teams. They should also be able to communicate effectively with other stakeholders, such as clients, users, and senior management, about the technical aspects of the projects. Additionally, they should be able to keep up with the latest trends and innovations in the software industry, and foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement among their teams.
Software development managers need to have strong managerial skills to plan, organize, and execute software projects. They should be able to define the scope, budget, timeline, and deliverables of the projects, and allocate the resources and tasks accordingly. They should also be able to monitor the progress, performance, and quality of the projects, and intervene when necessary to resolve issues, mitigate risks, and ensure customer satisfaction. Furthermore, they should be able to report on the status, outcomes, and lessons learned of the projects, and provide strategic direction and vision for future initiatives.
Project management is vital for software development managers. It guarantees resource efficiency, timely project delivery, and quality control. It encompasses risk management and effective communication. These abilities help managers consistently achieve successful projects, thereby boosting their reputation and credibility.
Engineering manager should strike balance between technical and soft skills. But the key skills to highlight are: Project management, problem solving, and a key highlight on process improvement / vision and ability to evolve teams. Software development is fast paced and often we are faced with context switching and changing priorities. The ability to navigate these uncertainties and making sure your teams are adapting to changes are key elements to success.
Software development managers need to have excellent interpersonal skills to lead, motivate, and empower their teams. They should be able to build trust, respect, and collaboration among their team members, and foster a positive and productive work environment. They should also be able to coach, mentor, and develop their team members, and help them grow their skills and careers. Moreover, they should be able to handle conflicts, challenges, and feedback constructively, and demonstrate emotional intelligence and empathy in their interactions.
Software development managers need to have exceptional problem-solving skills to deal with the complexity and uncertainty of software projects. They should be able to analyze, synthesize, and evaluate information from various sources, and apply logical and creative thinking to find optimal solutions. They should also be able to adapt to changing requirements, expectations, and situations, and leverage their technical, managerial, and interpersonal skills to overcome obstacles and deliver value. Additionally, they should be able to learn from their mistakes, failures, and successes, and apply their insights to improve their processes and practices.
Software development managers need to have outstanding innovation skills to create and deliver software solutions that meet the needs and expectations of the enterprise market. They should be able to identify, understand, and anticipate the problems, opportunities, and trends in the software industry, and generate novel and useful ideas that address them. They should also be able to prototype, test, and validate their ideas, and incorporate feedback and data into their iterations. Furthermore, they should be able to inspire, influence, and persuade others to support and adopt their innovations, and create a competitive advantage for their organizations.
Deben ser capaces de identificar las fortalezas y debilidades del personal técnico a su cargo y potenciarlas o corregirlas según sea el caso. Debe ser el gerente quien conozca las tareas asignadas a cada uno de sus colaboradores y no los colaboradores estar informando de los compromisos adquiridos.