The Craft Of Managing And Leading

Overview
The piece draws an analogy between craftsmanship and leadership, arguing that effective managers must also act as leaders and vice-versa. By recognizing the skills and context of team members before they articulate them, leaders can shape performance with the precision of a craftsman.

Key Takeaways

• Management should be approached as a craft, blending technical skill with artistic intuition.
• Leaders need to anticipate what their people can achieve and create conditions for success.
• Continuous practice, reflection, and attention to detail improve both managing and leading abilities.
• Storytelling and real-world examples (e.g., Jerry Seinfeld, Anthony Bourdain) illustrate the craft mindset.

Who Would Benefit

• Engineering managers seeking a fresh perspective on team leadership.
• Technical leads who want to balance execution with people development.
• Senior leaders looking to foster a culture of craftsmanship in their organizations.
• Anyone interested in practical, experience-based leadership advice.

Frameworks and Methodologies

• Craftsmanship mindset applied to management.
• Context-driven leadership approach.