Should You Choose a Tech Lead or Engineering Manager Role?

Choosing between a tech lead and engineering manager role hinges on personal career goals and skills. Tech leads focus on technology and coding, while engineering managers prioritize team dynamics and people management. Joseph Perla, an engineering manager at Lyft, emphasizes that engineering managers should possess a solid engineering background to step in as tech leads when necessary, especially in teams with junior members. Regular one-on-one meetings with team members can enhance relationships and provide opportunities for tech knowledge sharing, crucial for an effective engineering management approach. Key Points: - Tech leads focus on technology, coding, and staying updated with tech trends. - Engineering managers emphasize people management and team dynamics. - Engineering managers may need to fulfill tech lead roles, particularly with junior teams. - One-on-one meetings foster personal connections and facilitate knowledge sharing. - Team-building activities enhance collaboration, especially in culturally diverse teams. - Continuous learning in trending programming skills can be pursued even in management roles.