A self-assessment for Engineering managers

Here you have a list of questions you can ask yourself to find out whether you are doing a good job as a manager or not.

The original list is not mine, the first time I saw something similar was at Google in the Engineering manager training and since then I've changed and added other things I find important.

1. I set expectations for my team.

2. I clearly establish roles and responsibilities.

3. I hold my team accountable.

4. I provide meaningful and frequent feedback to each member.

5. I have tough conversations. Making sure there are no surprises in perf.

6. I deliver bad news with honesty and integrity.

7. I create environments that are safe, respectful, and challenging.

8. I seek out ideas that are different from my own.

9. I value different opinions. I listen to them with openness.

10. I am able to identify with others and understand their point of view.

11. I encourage good behavior.

12. I am an advocate of values and mission.

13. I am a culture company champion.

14. I lead by example.

15. I make new team members feel welcomed.

16. I have self-awareness.

17. I adapt my leadership style based on each unique situation.

18. I articulate the why behind my decisions.

19. I make sure I’m not a bottleneck to my team (for example talking with them or not coding in the critical path).

20. I recognize and celebrate my team’s work.

21. I encourage my team to push boundaries. (setting them stretch goals..).

22. I understand that delivery is part of my duties. 

23. I make sure stretch goals are doable.

24. I prioritize 1:1s with my team and never cancel them.

25. I involve my team in creating our direction and vision.

26. I allocate and delegate work equitably. 

27. I make sure my messages are well conveyed.

28. I make sure my team is informed.