How To Go Founder Mode As An Engineering Manager

In the ever-evolving landscape of tech startups and established companies alike, Engineering Managers (EMs) are increasingly being called upon to step into a role that mirrors that of a founder. This concept, often referred to as “founder mode,” can empower EMs to drive innovation, foster a strong team culture, and ultimately contribute to the success of their organizations. Paul Graham’s essay on founder mentality sparked my interest in how EMs can embrace this mindset.

What Is Founder Mode?

Founder mode is a state of thinking and behaving that prioritizes ownership, initiative, and a relentless drive toward achieving company goals. For engineering managers, this means adopting a proactive approach to leadership and problem-solving, much like a founder would when building their company from the ground up.

So, can Engineering Managers apply founder mode? Absolutely! In fact, I’ve seen several successful EMs embody this mindset. Here are the three main founder mode behaviors that I believe can help Engineering Managers thrive:

1. Ownership of the Product and Team

In founder mode, EMs take full ownership of their product and the team that builds it. This means going beyond just managing projects and delegating tasks. EMs should be deeply involved in the product’s vision, understanding user needs, and making strategic decisions that impact the direction of the engineering team.

• Be Proactive: Instead of waiting for directives from higher-ups, EMs should proactively identify challenges and opportunities within their team and product. This could involve conducting user research, analyzing performance metrics, or seeking feedback from stakeholders.

• Empower the Team: Encourage team members to take ownership of their work as well. Create an environment where they feel empowered to propose new ideas and solutions, fostering innovation and creativity.

2. Embracing a Growth Mindset

Founders are known for their resilience and adaptability. EMs can adopt a similar growth mindset by viewing challenges as opportunities for learning and improvement.

• Encourage Experimentation: Foster a culture where experimentation is welcome. Allow your team to explore new technologies, methodologies, or processes, even if they fail. Encourage them to learn from their mistakes and iterate on their ideas.

• Invest in Development: Prioritize the professional growth of your team. Provide resources for training and development, and encourage them to pursue new skills that can benefit both their career and the team’s objectives.

3. Building Strong Relationships

In founder mode, EMs understand that success is not just about the product; it’s also about the people behind it. Building strong relationships with team members, stakeholders, and cross-functional partners is essential.

• Foster Open Communication: Create an environment of trust where team members feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns. Regular one-on-ones and team meetings can help maintain open lines of communication.

• Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment on goals and objectives. Building relationships with product managers, designers, and other stakeholders can lead to more cohesive and successful projects.

Conclusion

Adopting founder mode as an Engineering Manager is not just a theoretical exercise; it’s a practical approach that can lead to significant benefits for both the team and the organization. By taking ownership, embracing a growth mindset, and building strong relationships, EMs can drive their teams to new heights while contributing to the overall success of their company.

For those interested in diving deeper into this topic, I encourage you to check out my full post on Founder Mode for Engineering Managers. Additionally, if you’re looking for more insights, you can read a related blog post inspired by this discussion on Interview Help.

Embrace founder mode, and watch your team and organization flourish!