A Quest for Better Management

This might sound corny, but have you ever wondered why management today feels like a joke?

If so, know you're not alone: many scholars actually think the same. Henry Mintzberg for instance, made the point back in 2015 that management is getting worse in the digital age. Today 75% of the Americans think their “boss is the most stressful part of their workday”!

But you don’t need stats or scholars for this: just talk with any other random employee and ask him his opinion about management in her organization. And if you are daring enough and have time to spare, inquire also about his direct manager. Then brace yourself.

The case is not that managers ain't trying. Many of them are working hard and genuinely want to be effective leaders. However, I think the problem lies in the system itself. From hiring, through all the processes, to promotions and learning opportunities, the current system is not set up for success.

During my career, I’ve been experiencing management at both ends of the spectrum and witnessed my fair share of failures and shortcomings, including mine. Damn, I’m actually old enough to get the "joke" below.

I’ve also seen scores of stressed, overwhelmed and even hated managers - sometimes for good reasons, especially in tech. No matter the product or services on offer, language spoken, or size of the organization. So, I though perhaps it’s time for me to do something about it. It might just be a little dent in the big scheme of things… But I came to believe that every little act matters when it comes to improving management in our organizations.

Through this site, I aim to address the underlying issues that plague management in tech. I want to provide resources, insights, techniques, and practical advice to help tech managers navigate the challenges they face and become the leaders they aspire to be. Whether you're a seasoned manager or just starting out in your career, there's something for everyone.

Far too often, I've seen companies prioritize technical skills and experience over essential "soft" qualities like emotional intelligence, communication skills, or the ability to inspire and motivate others. Yet management is about people, and knowing how to deal with them and doing it well is in fact an art. By highlighting the importance of these qualities and providing guidance on how to build and develop them over time, I hope to encourage a shift in mindset when it comes to building effective teams.

Good managers and effective management are an asset for any organization and they should be right at the very top on the list of benefits for potential hires. As sadly as it is, there are still many more poor managers than great managers, so this benefit is rare and it will surely differentiate your organization from the rest.

We do have the power to take this benefit off the endangered list through learning and development. Unfortunately, many organizations neglect doing this, leading to stagnant skills and outdated practices. In management in particular, this neglect affects not only the managers, but more importantly the people they are working with, and ultimately their companies. On one hand, managers account for at least 70% of the variance in employee engagement. On the other hand, managers actions are responsible for a staggering 30% of an organization’s profitability So, why wouldn't we fight tooth and nail to support managers expand and hone their skills, if this in fact will benefit everyone?

At the end of the day, I embarked on this path because I believe that change starts with individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo. I want to empower managers to take ownership of their development and inspire them to create positive change within their organizations.

Together, we can make a difference and build a future where effective management is the norm.

One manager at a time.