# Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager

DevFeed: [Imperfect #9 - Why and when to code as a manager](<https://devfeed.tech/articles/imperfect-9-why-and-when-to-code-as-a-manager-39459.md>)

Original publisher: [Read original article](<https://imperfect.substack.com/p/imperfect-9-why-and-when-to-code>)

Author: Pedro Gil Carvalho

Published: 2022-10-14T11:30:54Z

Content type: opinion

Language: en

Sources: [Pedro Gil Carvalho](<https://devfeed.tech/sources/pedro-gil-carvalho.md>)

Topics: [Development](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/development.md>), [coding](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/coding.md>), [code reviews](<https://devfeed.tech/topics/code-reviews.md>)

Tags: [code-reviews](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/code-reviews.md>), [coding](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/coding.md>), [developers](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/developers.md>), [engineering-manager](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/engineering-manager.md>), [process](<https://devfeed.tech/tags/process.md>)

## AI overview

This opinion article explains when engineering managers should code. It advises new managers to focus primarily on people, process, and communication, while identifying bug fixing, proofs of concept, code reviews, and hands-on work in small teams as useful exceptions. Regular coding can create missed deadlines, blocked dependencies, delayed releases, and damaged credibility.

## Source excerpt

Keeping our skills sharp without blocking anyone