Ask HN: Recommended reading for IC transitioning to Manager track

Some context:

I'm a Software Engineer turned Data Engineer working in big tech (not MAANG) who has recently committed to (as in agreed with my manager) transition to being a manager next year.

The motivation for the change (which I think is important to share) is twofold: 1. The team needs it. We're growing ito ICs and we need to grow our managers to scale sustainably. 2. My core strengths are better aligned to a strategic role than an IC one. I tend to step back and ask "why", get clear on needs, think a couple steps ahead and look for reasons to say no, which often lands me into deep conversations with my manager which inevitably distracts me from getting really stuck into the technical details.

How to Win Friends & Influence People

but I'd personally reconsider that career change

The Manager’s Path

But also: 1) Actively listen to your direct reports 2) Prepare for and hold 1:1s; don’t skip them, and focus more on their concerns, achievements, and areas for growth than project status 3) Give continuous feedback, especially on areas for growth; give it immediately or in the next 1:1 4) Genuinely care about their success and show them that through your actions; it then makes giving critical feedback a cinch since they know it is coming from a good place 5) Pay close attention to other managers; there are things to learn from everyone 6) Every time you open your mouth, you audition to be a manager; be deliberate in what you say, always take the high road, know the impact of your words 7) Accept that you will have to manage your image, and embrace it. Put focus on this early - figure out the things that a world class manager would do, and then do them. Doing things to build your image as a good manager leads you to actually being a good manager; it’s not corporate red tape, and it’s not insincere or deceitful, it’s a tool for your own success and your team’s 8) Understand that if you put the same creativity and persistence into learning management techniques as you have in learning technical topics, the sky’s the limit

Thanks, really appreciate this input! Finding a mentor is easier said than done but agree that it's an important step.

Thanks, putting The Culture Map on the list ^_^