How to Use Data Responsibly as an Engineering Leader

It’s important for an engineering leader to know what their team members are working on, and to understand how that work is going. Yet when every standup is a status update and managers are constantly tapping on engineers’ shoulders (metaphorically, or otherwise), it can be disruptive to developers’ flow and can make team members feel like someone’s watching their every move.?

When bringing data into your organization, it’s important to remember these key points:?

• Data must be used transparently.
• Data should enhance, not replace conversations.
• Data provides insights about the work, not the person.
• Data should be used constructively, not punitively.?

Managers may worry that digging into data from engineers’ workflow feels too invasive. The key to maintaining the team’s trust and fostering a greater sense of autonomy lies not in whether you have access to data, but how that data is used. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to cultivate a culture of transparency and safety where metrics are used responsibly and constructively.

To ensure that your data benefits you, your team, and the organization as a whole, check out our latest ebook to find out how an Engineering Intelligence Platform can bring you the visibility you need to foster more autonomy on your team.?