Tips to lead software teams and manage up in a challenging market

In a challenging market with limited hiring possibilities, engineering managers may be tempted to micromanage their developers to increase productivity. However, this approach can lead to negative outcomes such as higher turnover, lack of innovation, and increased stress levels. Instead, managers should focus on aligning teams to the mission, setting realistic expectations based on team velocity, guiding rather than owning all aspects of delivery, and conveying a balanced sense of urgency. Transparency is crucial during economic uncertainty, as it helps employees understand how their work contributes to the larger picture and keeps them informed about company performance and expectations.