Navigating New Roles and Seeking Effective Technical Guidance Within Microsoft
Hi Taro Community,
I joined Microsoft in February, and interestingly, my manager started just a month later in March. As we’re both relatively new and navigating uncharted areas, I felt the need for more structured technical guidance. During a recent one-on-one, I suggested the idea of having a mentor or a designated technical point of contact. Initially, my manager acknowledged this need and planned to discuss it further up the chain.
However, the feedback I received later was that since we are in the process of building a new team here in India, we should first attempt to resolve issues internally. Subsequently, for additional insights, I’m advised to engage with the chat group, which includes around 100 members.
Here’s where I find myself in a predicament:
- My manager, being new himself, sometimes faces similar uncertainties, which complicates our internal resolution approach.
- Posting in a large group specific guidance doesn’t always yield practical advice due to its broad focus.
Any insights on managing these dynamics or personal experiences would be incredibly helpful as I look to establish myself and contribute effectively in my new role.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences.
Discussion
(3 comments)- 23 months agoTech Lead/Manager at Meta, Pinterest, Kosei
I suggested the idea of having a mentor or a designated technical point of contact
You don't need permission for informal mentorship. Once you engage with the chat group a few times, you'll hopefully figure out a few people who know what they're talking about and are approachable.
Now I recommend messaging these people with specific questions as a follow-up, and over time you'll develop a deeper relationship with them. It helps if these people are physically co-located next to you so you can meet them in person, but that may not be possible in your case.
- 13 months agoEng @ Taro
Posting in a large group specific guidance doesn’t always yield practical advice due to its broad focus
There's probably a diffusion of responsibility that goes in these larger channels everyone thinks someone else is going to answer. Or, people have effectively blocked out the messages in that channel because it's too noisy.
Can you try to directly reach out to people who have worked in an adjacent project or within the same tech stack? These people will probably be able to help you out because they are familiar with what you are working on, and they can end up being an informal mentor for you.
- 0
3 months agoTech Lead @ Robinhood, Meta, Course HeroPosting in a large group specific guidance doesn’t always yield practical advice due to its broad focus.
At Meta, we were always advised to post in large groups, and it worked out well for the most part. I feel like the quality and practicality of the advice is more a function of the asked question's quality/detail as opposed to the group. Hopefully some of the advice here helps: Asking Effective Questions That Get Great Answers Quickly
If there are specific stakeholders you know would be helpful for a particular question, you can cc them on your questions as well for better targeting. Make sure to thank them deeply if they do help.
