From Master Coder to 'Evil Boss': Why Developers Jump to the Dark Side of Management

Many a seasoned developer/technical (subject matter experts) SME looks at the managerial track with skepticism and a raised eyebrow. "The dark side," some mutter, envisioning endless meetings, performance reviews, and a tragic distance from the beloved world of code. Surprisingly, however, a significant number make the leap. Why would a technical wizard willingly swap algorithms and elegant solutions for budgets and people problems?

Here's a glimpse into some compelling reasons SMEs might cross over to management:

• The Need for Broader Impact: Even the most brilliant architect ultimately builds systems within a framework defined by others. Managers shape not just the product, but the team, processes, and the overall direction of technology within the organization. It's an opportunity to have your voice heard on a larger scale.
• Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing: Star developers often become informal mentors anyway. Management formalizes this role, creating an avenue to multiply your impact by elevating an entire team, not just yourself. There's satisfaction in watching those you've fostered flourish.
• The Puzzle of People: While some are content with technical problems, there are developers intrigued by the complexities of human dynamics. Leading a team becomes a different type of challenge – motivating, resolving conflict, and creating a working environment where everyone thrives.
• A Desire for New Growth: Technical mastery has its ceiling. The management track provides a fresh learning curve: leadership principles, communication strategies, and understanding business objectives beyond the code itself. For some, the thrill of mastering a new domain is invigorating.
• Career Stagnation: Let's be real - at some companies, climbing the technical ladder gets narrower. Management becomes a necessary move for increased pay, influence, and career progression, even if it doesn't light your inner passion.

Not Everyone is Meant for the Dark Side

The title "evil boss" is tongue-in-cheek; of course, plenty of great managers come from technical backgrounds. But this transition is not for everyone. Here's why to think twice:

• It is a Completely DIFFERENT Skill Set: Although having technical "understanding" is a pre-requisite to being a good technical manager, the rest - people skills, conflict resolution, resource optimization, communication, politicking - are a completely different set that many individuals aren't aware of.
• Hate Being a Small Fish Again: Know that crossing over means giving up one set and needing to develop a brand new set of skills - you might have been the world's best developer, but most of the other skills will have to be developed from scratch. It's painful when your big fish skills don't translate, and you end up being the little fish again.
• You Truly Hate People: If interacting with humans feels draining, this career path will be torture. Good management is rooted in empathy and communication.
• Coding is Your One True Love: If nothing feels as satisfying as crafting clean code, don't abandon what genuinely moves you. Technical leadership paths should still offer avenues for growth.
• You Micromanage by Instinct: The best managers empower their teams. If the urge to do everything yourself is overwhelming, that's a sign this might not be a good fit.

The leap from 'technical rockstar' to 'manager' is as dramatic as it is common. The decision shouldn't be taken lightly. Understanding your motives - ambition, a need for new challenges, or simply strategic career positioning – is crucial before diving into that first staff meeting.

In my upcoming series of articles, I'll be exploring some of the ups and downs of making this transition - hopefully enticing some of you to come "join the dark side."