Kevin Stevens

Background

About Kevin Stevens

As a dedicated Engineering Manager with extensive experience managing teams of many sizes, my focus is on developing high performing teams that can deliver great results. I have managed productive, high performing teams of 5-8 people, getting involved with the technology details, and larger organizations of up to 30 people, where I developed and oversaw junior managers and oversaw the top-level product goals. While I have always managed software teams, I also have a background and interest in hardware technologies and have often interacted with or approached the boundary between software and hardware design, acting as a "translator" between individuals with different technological expertise in many cases. As a manager I primarily lead my team through a democratic style: If there is an important decision I encourage or lead a discussion to collect input from as many sources as reasonably possible, try to reach a consensus through discussions including opposing views and, when a consensus cannot be reached, make a final decision taking into account the input received. However, I also focus on pushing down decisions as much as possible, coaching my team to develop the ability to make independent decisions around their area of expertise so that as few decisions as possible are made at higher levels of the hierarchy. Regardless of the role I am in, one of my fundamental principles is to develop 360 degree trust through clear and transparent communication. I share everything possible with my team, my manager and my peers and expect the same from my direct reports: If there is good news, share it quickly so that we can all celebrate; If there is bad news or even potential issues, share it even quicker so that we can figure out how to mitigate or adjust; If there is no news, share that regularly so that everyone is in the loop with progress.