124. What type of developer you need to make friends with

To lead in the Digital Age, you need a network of developer friends. They can help you understand the latest tech trends and decipher jargon.

But to build the right network, you need to act intentionally. Don’t just hunt down anybody who has ever taken a python course.

There are two types of developers: managers and specialists.

All developers start off as coders, but as they progress in their careers, they come to a fork in the road. Some decide to specialise deeper in a particular aspect of technology, whereas others go the management route.

Engineering managers lead teams of engineers, and rarely write code themselves.

In fact, a Chief Technology Officer is unlikely to have written any code for quite some time. Their task is to manage the team, and to work with non-technical teams to align technology strategy to business needs.

Engineers on the management route must take business courses to progress in their careers.

Just as the non-techies need to speak tech, the techies need to speak business.

Because engineers who want to get to the C Suite also need to learn from the business side, your relationships are an equal value exchange.

Build these relationships with mutual respect, and the confidence that you are both bringing something to the table.

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(Photo: Sophia Matveeva and Ramil Badtredtinov, engineering leader)