I'm a technical manager, but I don't have to take care of people. I only have to worry about technology itself

I'm a technical manager, but I don't have to take care of people. I only have to worry about technology itself

Linus Torvalds, the creator of the Linux operating system, is a prime example of a technical manager who focuses solely on technology rather than people. As the benevolent dictator of the Linux community, Torvalds is responsible for overseeing the development of the Linux kernel and ensuring that it remains a high-quality, open-source operating system.

Despite his leadership role, Torvalds has made it clear that he is not interested in managing people. In a famous quote, he stated, "I'm a technical manager, but I don't have to take care of people. I only have to worry about technology itself." This mindset has allowed him to focus on what he does best – writing code and guiding the development of the Linux kernel.

One of the key reasons why Torvalds has been able to succeed as a technical manager without having to manage people is his ability to inspire and motivate others through his technical expertise. By leading by example and demonstrating his deep understanding of the Linux kernel, Torvalds has earned the respect and admiration of the Linux community. This has allowed him to effectively guide the development of the Linux kernel without having to micromanage or oversee the work of individual contributors.

Another reason why Torvalds has been able to thrive as a technical manager is his commitment to open-source principles. By fostering a collaborative and transparent development process, Torvalds has been able to harness the collective intelligence and creativity of the Linux community. This has enabled him to leverage the expertise of thousands of developers around the world to continuously improve and enhance the Linux kernel.