I have always believed that managing from afar does not go far enough. A working manager stays close to the technical work, understands the team's obstacles and can make better decisions. These 20 reasons explain why I value that model for Linux administration teams.

  1. Work alongside the team and show that you are willing to get your hands dirty. That example can inspire people to work harder.
  2. Stay close to the team's daily challenges so you can make better decisions for the team's success.
  3. Use your technical experience to identify problems and offer effective solutions before they cause downtime.
  4. Earn respect by working with the team instead of spending all day in an office apart from it.
  5. Build stronger relationships by sharing the work. That shared effort can lift morale and teamwork.
  6. Step in when unexpected problems appear. Your team should know you have their backs.
  7. Keep developing your technical skills so you can make informed decisions and support the team.
  8. Stay current with industry changes in a fast-moving technology field.
  9. Delegate with a clear view of each team member's strengths and abilities.
  10. Give useful feedback and performance evaluations based on the work you understand firsthand.
  11. Build rapport by relating to the team's experience and offering practical guidance.
  12. Spot risks and threats in the team's work, then take steps to reduce them.
  13. Prioritize tasks and projects with a clear view of what is urgent and critical.
  14. Build stronger client and customer relationships by understanding the technical work behind the service.
  15. Find places where the team's tools and resources can work better.
  16. Watch the workload closely so you can prevent burnout and support a healthy work-life balance.
  17. Use your technical understanding to make informed decisions about the team's direction and goals.
  18. Explain technical issues clearly and give targeted training and mentorship.
  19. Balance team needs with organizational needs so the work supports the company's mission and objectives.
  20. Stay involved in the technical work so you can see its effect and keep finding satisfaction in the job.

Original publication on GoDaddy