Why I Still Write Code as an Engineering Manager
14 hours ago
- The author still codes occasionally to stay familiar with the codebase, focusing on non-critical work like bugs and documentation.
- Coding keeps the manager skilled and prevents skill atrophy, avoiding the disconnect of dismissing tasks as 'just a button'.
- Leading by example through code sets standards for PRs, commit messages, tests, and code review communication.
- Having 'skin in the game' by sharing production consequences fosters better decisions and empathy for the team's challenges.
- Managers should evaluate if they genuinely cannot code or have convinced themselves it's unnecessary, as staying technical builds respect and informed decision-making.