Leadership Principles for Software Engineers

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/real-world-engineering-management-1

Introduction

**Course Review: Leadership Principles for Software Engineers** In today's fast-paced tech landscape, the transition from a technical role to management can be a daunting challenge. To bridge this gap, the course "Leadership Principles for Software Engineers," offered by Coursera and sponsored by Amazon Web Services (AWS), provides a comprehensive toolkit for aspiring engineering managers. ### Overview **Instructor:** Nancy Wang **Background:** Director of Engineering and General Manager of AWS Data Protection Services, Founder of Advancing Women in Tech (AWIT) **Goal:** Equip software engineers with essential management skills to succeed in elite engineering organizations. This course is structured to impart real-world skills derived from the best practices of industry leaders like Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Nancy Wang's expertise offers learners not just theoretical knowledge, but practical insights to navigate their managerial journey effectively. ### Syllabus Breakdown 1. **Are You the Next Great Engineering Manager?** - This introductory lesson delves into the core responsibilities of software engineering managers. It highlights what differentiates highly effective managers from those who struggle. The dual focus on two primary rules and two forms of evaluation equips learners with a straightforward approach to self-assessment and improvement. 2. **Hiring Your Team** - Hiring is positioned as the most crucial skill for managers, and rightly so. This lesson tackles the challenges many managers face in meeting their hiring targets. It presents strategies and techniques to refine hiring processes and build high-performing teams. Understanding how to attract and retain top talent is a game changer in the tech industry. 3. **Setting Your Team's Goals** - In this segment, learners explore the intricacies of setting meaningful team objectives. The debate between Amazon-style SMART goals versus Google-style OKRs is addressed, encouraging participants to find a balance that suits their team dynamics. This lesson emphasizes the importance of clear goals in fostering team alignment and motivation. ### Review The "Leadership Principles for Software Engineers" course stands out for its practical orientation and the wealth of knowledge it imparts from leading industry figures. Nancy Wang's insights reflect years of experience at AWS—a company renowned for its innovation and leadership. The structured approach provides a mix of theoretical underpinning and actionable strategies, allowing participants to develop their management style while understanding the broader expectations of elite organizations. The course is designed not just for those stepping into management for the first time, but also for seasoned engineers looking to refine their leadership capabilities. ### Recommendation For anyone in the software engineering field contemplating a management role, this course is a must-enroll. It provides key insights that can accelerate your growth as an effective leader and decision-maker. The lessons are tailored to reflect contemporary challenges in the tech world, making it relevant and applicable. Whether you are aiming to climb the corporate ladder or simply want to enhance your team management skills, "Leadership Principles for Software Engineers" equips you with the foundational skills necessary to thrive. With Nancy Wang at the helm, learners are not just absorbing knowledge; they are gaining an invaluable perspective from someone who has navigated the complexities of tech leadership successfully. ### Conclusion In conclusion, if you aspire to lead in the ever-evolving field of software engineering, consider enrolling in this course. The integration of insights from Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, coupled with the rich experience shared by Nancy Wang, makes this program a powerful resource for aspiring engineering managers. Gain the skills, confidence, and strategies you need to not only succeed in your management role but also to inspire and lead your teams to greater heights.

Syllabus

Are you the next great engineering manager?

What do some of the world's best software companies expect managers to do all day? What differentiates great managers from struggling ones? Is it possible to identify managers using only 2 rules and 2 forms of evaluation? Find out in this lesson!

Hiring is the most important skill for software engineering managers to perfect. Despite that, what percentage of managers are unable to meet their hiring targets? And what can you do to meet and exceed your hiring targets? Find out in this lesson!

What is a team goal? How many do you need? Should you use Amazon-style SMART goals or Google-style OKRs? Find out in this lesson!