Ask HN: Going from Developer to Manager. What should I know or learn?
Most important thing to me, learn the difference between leadership and management.  A long time ago I was mentored by some great leaders who taught me the difference, and also taught me when to manage situations or specific people.  Management isn't a bad word, but applied the way it is most places it should be.<p>My goal with teams is to inspire them to make good choices, show them the right paths and help them succeed.  A leader serves his team, and doesn't stand over them demanding progress reports daily.  A good leader gets updates from his team daily because he talks to his team daily, but doesn't do so because he needs status reports.  Managers need status reports and many times use them to justify their job, or to throw Johnny under the bus because he is behind.  A leader knows Johnny is behind because he talks to him nearly daily and has been helping him get back on track already.  If Johnny can't get back on track the leader is looking for a way to make Johnny successful even if that means he moves him off the team or to another role.  The leader turns to his superiors and takes responsibility for the team, but never hides behind Jonny for being behind.<p>Another key, always vent up, but communicate in all directions.  What I mean by this, is always find a mentor at your same level or higher that will listen to you, who will let you vent some frustration and help you if you need guidance.   Sometimes this isn't someone in the company, that's fine.  Never vent to your team or other teams.  Communication however, should never stop and be happening at all levels.<p>Last point I guess.  Hierarchy isn't evil, it gives people boundaries so they know who to go to for what and when/why.  Flat organizations sound awesome, but are sometimes a nightmare to be in because there is too little structure to give good guidance to people.  Flat organizations that are successful are so because people are given boundaries and generally have good documentation or rules/values they can turn to and use as a guide.  You are not a good leader/manager by giving total free rein, having boundaries is critical to success for everyone (same goes for parenting when you have kids, give them opportunities to take chances, make mistakes but have boundaries in place).