Phong Yew Tong
4 min readJul 3, 2023

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Let's hear ChatGPT's views on “Why do the best engineers fail at managerial roles”?

We have lots of articles on "Why do the best engineers fail at managerial roles" written by humans. Let's read what ChatGPT has to say after learning so much about our tiny world in the universe.

Photo by Jonathan Kemper on Unsplash

My Prompt: What are your views on “Why do best engineers fail at managerial roles”?

1. Who can help them become a better engineering manager?
2. What are the best traits to acquire for a good engineering manager?
3. When is a good time to transition into managerial roles regarding years of experience, technical skills, and domain knowledge?
4. Where can they learn to be an awesome manager?

ChatGPT Replied:

As an AI language model, I don’t have personal views or opinions, but I can provide some insights on the topic “Why do best engineers fail at managerial roles.”

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash
  1. Who can help them become a better engineering manager? There are various resources and individuals who can help engineers become better engineering managers. Some options include:
  • Mentors: Experienced engineering managers or leaders who can provide guidance, share their expertise, and offer advice based on their own managerial experiences.
  • Leadership Development Programs: Many organizations offer training programs or workshops specifically designed to develop leadership skills for engineers transitioning into managerial roles.
  • Executive Coaches: Working with an executive coach can help engineers develop essential managerial skills, enhance their self-awareness, and navigate the challenges of their new role.

2. What are the best traits to acquire for a good engineering manager? While the specific traits may vary depending on the context and organization, some common traits that can contribute to being a good engineering manager include:

  • Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for conveying ideas, expectations, and feedback to the engineering team and other stakeholders.
  • Leadership Abilities: Being able to inspire and motivate a team, set clear goals, and provide guidance and support are essential leadership qualities.
  • Emotional Intelligence: Understanding and managing emotions, both their own and those of their team members, helps in building strong relationships and resolving conflicts.
  • Decision-making Skills: Managers often face complex situations where they need to make well-informed decisions, balancing technical considerations, business objectives, and team dynamics.
  • Adaptability and Learning Mindset: Being open to new ideas, embracing change, and continuously learning are important traits for managers in the rapidly evolving field of engineering.
Photo by Austin Distel on Unsplash

3. When is a good time to transition into managerial roles regarding years of experience, technical skills, and domain knowledge? The right time to transition into a managerial role can vary for each individual. It’s not solely determined by years of experience, technical skills, or domain knowledge. Some factors to consider include:

  • Personal Readiness: Feeling motivated and interested in taking on managerial responsibilities, as well as having a desire to mentor and develop others.
  • Leadership Potential: Demonstrating leadership qualities, such as taking initiative, guiding others, and effectively collaborating with different teams.
  • Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Having strong communication and relationship-building skills, as these are essential for managerial roles.
  • Opportunity and Organizational Support: Availability of suitable positions and support from the organization for individuals looking to transition into managerial roles.

4. Where can they learn to be an awesome manager? There are several avenues to learn and develop managerial skills:

  • Internal Training and Development Programs: Many organizations offer in-house training programs, workshops, or courses specifically tailored for developing managerial skills.
  • Online Courses and Resources: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer a wide range of courses on leadership, management, and communication skills.
  • Professional Networking: Engaging with other engineering managers, attending industry conferences or meetups, and participating in online communities can provide valuable insights and mentorship opportunities.
  • Books and Literature: There are numerous books written by experienced managers that can provide valuable guidance and insights into effective managerial practices.
  • Practical Experience: On-the-job experiences and learning from real-world challenges and successes can be invaluable for developing managerial skills. Actively seeking feedback and reflecting on experiences can further enhance growth.

Remember, becoming an effective engineering manager is a continuous learning journey that involves a combination of knowledge, skills, and practical experience.

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Phong Yew Tong

I will follow you back. Entrepreneurship, React, Flutter, Firebase, Typescript, Javascript, ChatGPT, Crypto. Visit www.aiwithwords.com