# So You’re in Charge Now… With Ben Greenberg

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/arrested-devops/so-you-re-in-charge-now-with-ben-greenberg
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/arrested-devops/so-you-re-in-charge-now-with-ben-greenberg.md
Podcast: [Arrested DevOps](https://stenobird.com/podcast/arrested-devops)
Published: 2023-12-22T02:54:05+00:00
Episode link: https://www.arresteddevops.com/in-charge-now/
Audio file: https://media.blubrry.com/arresteddevops/content.blubrry.com/arresteddevops/arrested-devops-podcast-episode199.mp3
Processing state: processed
JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/arrested-devops/episodes/so-you-re-in-charge-now-with-ben-greenberg
Duration seconds: 2858

## Resource

Transitioning from an individual contributor to a manager requires a fundamental shift in identity and focus. This discussion explores how to navigate the 'hero complex' and lead with humility without needing to be the technical expert in every room.

## Highlights
- Failure mode: Avoid the 'hero complex' of trying to be the technical messiah who fixes every organizational dynamic
- Practical takeaway: Use the engagement vs. skill matrix to coach team members effectively
- Main idea: The hardest career transition is the first move from individual contributor to manager because it requires stopping your old habits
- Practical takeaway: Focus on understanding how your company makes money to better demonstrate the business value of technical work
- Main idea: A manager doesn't need to be the subject matter expert, but they must be a willing learner and a facilitator

## Topics

Engineering Management, DevOps, Leadership Transition, Developer Relations, Team Dynamics, Career Development, Organizational Strategy

## Chapters
- 4:20 — The New Manager's Reality: Ben Greenberg discusses the early days of stepping into a leadership role at Fuel Labs.
- 7:50 — The Danger of the Hero Complex: Exploring the trap of hiring or acting as a 'messiah' to solve all organizational problems.
- 22:15 — The Engagement and Skill Matrix: A framework for evaluating team members based on their technical proficiency and level of engagement.
- 29:15 — Iterative Development vs. Feature Sets: A look at different approaches to delivering developer experience and feature sets.
- 36:15 — The Role of a Facilitator: Moving toward a leadership style centered on consensus building and collaboration.
- 43:50 — Navigating Career Transitions: Why the jump from IC to manager is the most difficult shift in a technical career path.

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## Transcript

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