Managing vs. Mentoring

In this episode of the REWORK podcast, host Kimberly Rhodes converses with Jeffrey Hardy, a Principal Programmer at 37signals. They delve into how the company has shifted from having no full-time managers to embracing a mentorship model. Jeffrey recounts his journey lasting 17 years at 37signals, illustrating how the lack of traditional management structures has culminated in a dynamic of peer-to-peer mentorship, focusing on individual growth and team collaboration.

Jeffrey explains how the company initially operated without managers to support its original seven employees and eventually realized the need for some level of coordination as it grew. The discussion reveals how the roles of team leads emerged informally and how experimentation with management structures ultimately led the company back to a more streamlined approach devoid of formal managers, instead utilizing mentorship.

The conversation emphasizes the importance of mentorship over traditional management. Jeffrey highlights how mentorship is about teaching values, guiding decisions, and ensuring that individual programmers understand the company's core philosophies. This model fosters independence among team members, ensuring that they align with company values without requiring constant oversight.

A significant theme explored involves the hiring processes vital for maintaining a mentorship-based environment. Jeffrey discusses the challenges of hiring, admonishing a need for candidates who not only possess technical skills but also align with the company’s entrepreneurial spirit. The emphasis is on selecting self-directed individuals who are comfortable with uncertainty and accountability.

Jeffrey shares insights into the nuances of mentorship, illustrating that it’s less about direct management and more about empowering team members to make their own decisions. He describes mentorship as being parallel to parenting, where imparting wisdom allows mentees to develop their own decision-making skills, fostering a culture of trust and high performance within the team.

Towards the end of the podcast, Jeffrey offers practical advice for aspiring mentors, stressing the value of live reviews and one-on-one discussions during code reviews. He believes these interactions enhance understanding and allow for richer conversations around decision-making and problem-solving, fostering a collaborative learning environment.