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Staff-level impact and technical strategy · Expert · Lesson 97 of 98 · 43 min video, then about 2 hours of practice · Optional
The IC and management paths
After this you can make a considered choice about whether to stay on the individual-contributor track or move into management, knowing you can change your mind.
Why it matters
Around senior level, many engineers face the choice between staff-track IC work and engineering management. Neither is a promotion from the other. Charity Majors argues that the best leaders often swing between the two, and that the choice is reversible. Trap: going into management because it looks like the only way up, or staying IC because you fear people work. Try the parts of each you can: lead a project, mentor, run an incident.
How to use this resource
Charity Majors on swinging between engineering and management, and why it makes better leaders.