# What Types of Projects Did You Manage?
In interviews, it's common for recruiters and engineering managers to ask candidates, "What type of projects did you manage?" This seemingly straightforward question often holds deeper implications that can give insight into a candidate's experience and adaptability. But what do interviewers really expect to hear?
## The Scope of Project Types
When faced with such a question, it's beneficial to approach it with a broad perspective. Instead of simply listing projects, focus on the themes and challenges encountered across your experiences. It’s the nuances of these challenges that often reveal your leadership style and problem-solving abilities.
### Learning from Experience: A Personal Journey
Throughout my career, I have managed a variety of teams, particularly in the realm of DevOps. While the projects themselves may have shared similarities, the challenges faced by each team varied greatly, leading to distinct leadership experiences.
#### Case Study 1: Navigating Organizational Change
One of my earliest experiences involved managing a highly skilled DevOps team during a time of significant organizational upheaval. The company was undergoing a reorganization, which included downsizing. My primary responsibility was to prepare the team and the infrastructure for a reduction in capacity by about 30%.
This was a daunting task. The team had developed a complex system that they were proud of, and they struggled to accept the need for downsizing. The challenge lay not only in adjusting the technical aspects but also in managing the team's morale. I focused on transparent communication, helping the team understand the business rationale behind the changes. We worked together to simplify the infrastructure while maintaining essential functionality, ultimately fostering resilience in an uncertain environment.
#### Case Study 2: Empowering a Junior Team
In contrast, my next experience involved a young and junior DevOps team that was constantly in crisis mode. They often found themselves firefighting, unable to dedicate time to critical underlying platform issues. The burnout was palpable, and it was evident that a different approach was required.
My role shifted to one of triage and prioritization. I had to identify what tasks could either be postponed or addressed with an "80% solution." This not only alleviated immediate pressures but also liberated time for the team to tackle systemic problems. After implementing these changes, I placed a strong emphasis on training and upskilling the team, ensuring they were well-versed in the latest DevOps standards and principles. The result was a more confident, capable team that could manage their workload more effectively, reducing the cycle of crisis management.
### Key Takeaways
Despite the similarity in project types, the differences in team dynamics and challenges were stark. Here are a few lessons learned that can guide you in your leadership journey:
1. **Adaptability is Key**: Understand that each team's needs and challenges will vary, even within similar projects. Tailor your management style accordingly.
2. **Communication Matters**: Be transparent with your team about organizational changes. This builds trust and helps in navigating difficult transitions.
3. **Empower Your Team**: Provide your team with the tools and training they need to succeed. Investing in their growth pays dividends in performance and morale.
4. **Focus on Systemic Solutions**: Instead of firefighting, work with your team to identify and resolve underlying issues. This approach leads to long-term improvements and a healthier work environment.
### Conclusion
When discussing the types of projects you’ve managed, emphasize the challenges and learning experiences that shaped your leadership. By sharing your journey, you not only highlight your technical skills but also demonstrate your ability to lead, adapt, and grow—qualities that are invaluable in any management role.
What experiences have shaped your approach to project management? Share your insights in the comments below!
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