There are plenty of resources on how to succeed as an engineering manager. But there is not enough to tell you about how not to fail. I read the article by Brad Armstrong recently which outlined some very important ones. I recommend you read and try these out. Here is the list which mentions, DO NOT –
- Keep coding
- Focus only on the work, not the people
- Measure your value by your output
- Expect without expressing
- Leave the team out of commitments
- Mistake directing for leading
- Avoid hard conversations
- Stop learning your craft
Thoughts & Moments 
Here is a good article I found for how to be a good engineering manager – https://www.codementor.io/blog/how-to-be-the-engineering-manager-your-company-needs-1yahjbf97x#how-do-i-hire-the-right-talent
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And here is another great article describing 51 leadership skills – https://www.inc.com/marla-tabaka/51-no-fail-rules-for-leadership-excellence.html
1. Take responsibility; never, ever place blame elsewhere.
2. If you want to control your future, let go of the control.
3. Learn to be a strong communicator. No, this does not mean send a lot of text messages.
4. Listen, don’t judge.
5. Don’t make excuses; when it comes to being a respectable leader, there are none.
6. Never forget that your team, not your product, not your bank account, is your number-one asset.
7. Give your team the tools and freedom to be extraordinary. There is no better investment.
8. If you promise to do something, do it–and do it well.
9. Let your ego know that it’s really smart to surround yourself with people who know more than you do.
10. To work with a coach or mentor is a sign of a successful mindset, not a weakness.
11. Consciously build a powerful company culture. Otherwise, it will build itself and you probably won’t like the results.
12. If you consistently work through the night, you’re doing something wrong.
13. Employee meetings are not a disruption, waste of time, or inconvenience.
14. Never enter into a 50-50 partnership.
15. Do not launch a product without doing market research that goes well beyond family and friends.
16. Before you even think about stepping into a leadership role, define and understand your values. Otherwise, you have no road map to lead yourself or others to success.
17. You are only as successful as you believe you are. Mindset is everything.
18. Don’t think your idea is a great one because you believe in it and you’ve worked hard for it. It’s only great if your customers believe it too.
19. Honesty is a code to live by; choose your words carefully.
20. If you think it’s time to quit, it probably is.
21. Make friends with your numbers, even if you don’t like them very much.
22. Don’t jump into a partnership because you’re excited. Partner because you have a great idea, the combined skills to make it happen, and a viable plan in place. Then see a business lawyer.
23. Always stay in check in social media. Yes, even on your personal accounts.
24. Don’t take advice from people who haven’t been there, done it, and succeeded.
25. Only borrow money from friends and family who are willing to lose every penny of it and not hold it against you.
26. Build your personal brand even if you think you don’t matter to your customers–because you do.
27. Don’t wear your overwhelming schedule as a badge of honor. Be proud when you can get everything done and have plenty of time to enjoy life.
28. It’s only a failure if you beat yourself up for it instead of learn from it.
29. You have to believe in yourself before anyone else will.
30. It’s alright to have self-doubt. It’s not alright to let it consume you.
31. Experiencing fear is natural and normal. Allowing it to keep you from your dreams is just sad.
32. Don’t make the mistake of believing you can be a full-time parent and achieve your business success on the timeline of a single person.
33. Stop saying that there’s never enough time; there is if you stop doing the things that a real entrepreneur doesn’t do.
34. Know your strengths and don’t dwell on your weaknesses. Just hire someone to fill the gaps.
35. If you believe that you can’t afford to do something to the betterment of your business, then you can’t.
36. When stress is getting the best of you, place your focus on helping someone else.
37. The customer may always be right, but if they cost you more than they pay you, they are not your ideal customer.
38. There is nothing in the world worth missing your kid’s birthday for.
39. Only make friends with your employees if you can put on the boss hat and not feel guilty or uncomfortable in it.
40. If you can’t trust your employees, it’s for one of two reasons: You are too controlling, or you don’t know how to hire right.
41. Ask interview questions that will tell you if your candidate is a good culture fit. Most skills can be taught. Personality, not so much.
42. Take care of you first and you’ll have the energy and clearheadedness to take good care of your company.
43. Meditation isn’t just for hippies anymore.
44. Never forget the healing power of laughter.
45. If you hold on to poor performers, you are the one who needs improvement.
46. Don’t exhaust yourself grabbing at nickels and dimes. Know where the real profit comes from.
47. Always give back.
48. If you’re in it just for the money, you’ll never know true success.
49. Without a vision, you can’t get there. But remember, your vision matures as you do.
50. Angel investors aren’t really angels.
51. Don’t shut off your emotions. They aren’t in the way; they are there to help pave the way.
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The Lion and The Ant – https://josephnoone.com/2010/05/08/the-lion-and-the-ant-some-lessons-for-managers-and-hr/
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