Managing the Leader

Abstract

Creating great software on time is your goal and managing the process is your job so what do you do in your free time? Probably code. If you have ascended to management from the ranks of programmers, you had better continue programming or your passion for the craft will wane and your skills will fade. Another reason you probably seek or make time to code is the joy it brings you. If you are new to leading a software team, you are still adapting to this role and writing code feels comfortable because it is a familiar task you feel productive doing. I believe continuing to code is a necessary activity that, if managed well with the rest of your life, will keep you in touch with your roots. Roots are important for nourishing your passion, and as a leader you need to sink some new roots into the soil of your work life.