Anyone Familiar Tech Firm Group Management?

[NotDarkYet]

I have a big life decision to make and I'm looking for advice from anyone who has worked in a big tech place.I've passed the (many) interviews phase and I have the choice to take or not take this particular position.

 

The position is: Ass-is-tant Pr-ogr-am Man-ager

 

This company is the #1 job-related website/search engine in the world.

 

I would be managing a small team of web developers to help roll-out web products out on schedule. I would think of new ways to make them more productive and happy. If I did well, they would give me more teams.

 

People at the company said that the key is to strike the very difficult balance between motivation and annoyance.

 

Hmmm. That is the kicker. Do I want to be the guy who is always on the verge of being hated?

 

Notes:

 

1) I have many years of experience leading small teams at my old job.

 

2) Personally, I'm not interested in 'leadership' per se, I just do it when I must. (I'm an INTP)

 

3) I lack direct experience with web development. The company knows this and still wants me.

 

4) The pay is rather low: 40ish. And I have offers at other places (non tech) so I'm not desperate.

 

The question I have is this: Is this a thankless and respectless job? In your experience, will I be constantly stressed out and feeling like I can't keep up? Or is this something that one can 'master'? I want a job that I can eventually be competent, respected and masterful and not bring home my worries.

 

This position is amorphous and open-ended which is interesting but also slightly worrying.If you've worked at a tech place and know team management, please please let me know what you think about positions like this!

 

Thanks!

[Heath Long]

I am curious as to how one leads a team of developers without having development experience. I would hate that. Perhaps using that tiny bit of perspective can help you. Maybe it will be a fine challenge. Have you ready any books on the black art of software estimation?