For an engineering manager, self-awareness means recognizing strengths and weaknesses, understanding how they shape leadership, and noticing where growth could help the team. Strengths can inspire and guide; weaknesses such as poor communication or micromanagement can undermine trust and collaboration. section 3.3.1
Use practical signals to identify opportunities for growth:
- Ask team members, peers, and leaders for feedback in one-on-ones; anonymous surveys can encourage candid responses. section 3.3.1
- Consider team morale as a signal of confidence in your leadership and the work culture. section 3.3.1
- Reflect on role transitions as learning experiences that can clarify your preferences and support continued growth. section 2.4.3
Core working hours
An engineering manager introduced shared core hours to improve communication. Team feedback revealed that the rigid schedule conflicted with personal obligations and preferred flexibility, uncovering a growth opportunity in the manager’s approach. section 3.3.1
