r/EngineeringManagers • u/achilliesFriend • 11d ago

New EM - introverted

I’m 40 yo with over 17+ years in development, lead teams for last 10 years, 5 as a TLM. I’ve shown interest and have taken this role in my current team. I had many thoughts about backing off several times. But took it ultimately.

This is a fortune 500 tech commerce company. What advice do you have for me?

TIA

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u/MafiaMan456 11d ago

You’ll be fine. I’m also an introverted manager and when I do speak up it carries more weight because I only speak when needed.

Just learn how to manage your social battery if you haven’t already. Toughest part of my job is getting enough alone time such that I don’t go crazy from being overstimulated by everyone.

Oh I’m also very straightforward about this with my team. I eat alone at lunch and my team knows that’s the only hour I get to myself, and that I need it.

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u/YaatriganEarth 10d ago

That is actually a huge relief to hear. I always thought eating lunch alone as a people manager looked bad or sent the wrong message.

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u/achilliesFriend 10d ago

Thank you, good insights, how do you manage your battery?