The Tech Lead vs Engineering Manager Dilemma
Hey friend,
I recently received this feedback from one of the students in Developer to Leader ↗️ program.
It's crazy that I just assumed many folks knew what the difference between a Tech Lead vs an Engineering Manager were but buoy, was I wrong.
I guess this is what they call the Curse of Knowledge.
Therefore, this week, I have decided to dedicate today's newsletter to outline some of the differences.
The Tech Lead vs Engineering Manager Dilemma
Often, it can be quite unclear what the difference is between a Tech Lead and an Engineering Manager, especially when companies may blur these roles.
Typically, a Tech Lead acts as a technical partner to an Engineering Manager.
The Tech Lead handles all the technical responsibilities of a development team, while the Engineering Manager ensures the team's processes are managed correctly, people are managed, and the organization strategy is understood and properly integrated.
It's also worth noting that Tech Leads generally have a more hands-on role compared to Engineering Managers. The latter may or may not even need to code, depending on the scope of their position.
Climbing the Career Ladder – The Key is Clarity
The array of titles in tech might make you think that the roles are distinctly defined. But in reality, there's an overlap of skills and differences in how organizations define these roles. Before choosing a path, it's crucial to understand the journey in each potential career path given the context of your chosen company.
One valuable resource to help with this is Levels.fyi. The site provides details on the different levels within various companies, and the anticipated salaries for each role.
Remember, if you find yourself in a company where expectations or career ladders aren't clearly defined, try to shape and introduce a process that simplifies this, or at least initiates the conversation. Take charge and engage with your peers, HR, or management to align the process.
Understanding the way these paths work isn't just helpful in picking or changing your career path, it also allows you to better shape your expectations and understand how to grow in your current position.
So, assess where you see yourself in the future, try out new positions if you can, and continuously confirm you're enjoying the journey you’re on.
🧰 The Engineering Leader's Toolbox
- 🎥 A free crash course on Becoming an Engineering Manager, check it out ↗️
- Learn the expectations from you, identify knowledge gaps and build a plan by downloading a copy of Engineering Manager's Mind Map ↗️
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