Extract from Svetlana Arsimekova’s article “5 Lessons Learned in the Transition from Developer to Leader”
Taking on a management role, for many, is an exciting opportunity. Often, it signifies a major step in your career. Plus, you have the opportunity to play an integral role in the success of your teammates. Many of us, though, didn’t embark on our careers saying, “You know what? I want to be a people manager.”
That was the case for me, at least. I started my career in tech as a C++ developer. When I looked into joining Relativity, I applied as a developer—a natural fit. During the interview, I was asked if I would consider a manager position. This was unexpected; I was immediately excited by the prospect. I also had a series of doubts running through my head: Am I ready? Do I have the right skills for the job? If I fail, I will let my team down. How do I deal with that?
I was confident in my technical skills. When it came to people management, I was less sure. But I took the plunge. Along the way, I’ve employed certain strategies that have helped me find my footing. And, as a result, I’ve built a fulfilling career as a leader.
Here’s what I’ve learned so far.
