This is actually my first management role (although I have had direct reports before).
I've actually really enjoyed the role so far, because I've been getting to live The Phoenix Project (DevOps Handbook, Accelerate, and Manager Tools as well):
- We're moving from large risky deploys to small frequent deploys (we're currently in transition)
- Tests are now important, whereas before they were considered tech-debt and would get written after a release
- We're moving from a command-and-control styled leadership where all decisions have to go "up the chain", to a team-empowered structure
- One-on-ones are now important. Whereas before folks would have 20+ direct reports and one-on-ones with their boss was a thing that happened once a month if you were lucky (they were scheduled bi-weekly, but would often get cancelled due to meeting conflicts)
- Moving from waterfall driven projects to "product" based thinking...using SCRUM/Agile in some places, and Kanban in others
- Etc.
That being said, I'm having trouble justifying my position/role/. My salary is higher than most of the developers & I have a lot more authority. A lot of my job is listening to devs and approving their ideas...and justifying things to leadership. Expectation management is a huge part of my job. And a lot of admin stuff. But I like it! I enjoy the role a LOT.
Is this kind of thing good for my career? I really enjoy it, but it's tough because my focus is on the people-system and not on the products we're actually delivering, so it's hard to see where my value comes in. I wonder if I could be automated...and maybe I should go back to a senior dev role :)