Most engineering manager positions require X years of managerial experience in the job description. That means as an individual contributor I can never qualify. But this experience has to come from somewhere. How can I bootstrap the managerial experience? Is internal promotion to some lead position the only possible way if I don't start my own business?
How to bootstrap managerial experience?
self improvement;experience;management
You can get X years of management experience without ever being a manager.  If you look at management as a series of disciplines (building a team, coaching people, building a schedule, etc.) then you are building a management pedigree.  Some recommendations: Find a mentor (someone in a management position) to help coach you on the basic skills and help you identify opportunities to grow into those specific skillsAsk your current manager (try not to make that person your mentor...) for opportunities to take on more responsibility and demonstrate your ability to be successful.Keep a list of what you have tried and what you have learnedRead.  Lots.  There are many good management books out there and as a lead SW engineer, you are in a good position to understand and innovate some of the theory/concepts in books and put them into practice (also, you are in a good position to evaluate what theories aren't all that helpful...)I'm sure others will have some other good ideas, but this is what has helped me and advice I give to tech leads looking to make the transition.good luck and have fun!