How can you identify potential technical leaders in your organization?

1. Thirst for Knowledge: - Look for individuals who stay ahead of the curve and aren't satisfied with the status quo. 2. Problem-Solvers: - Identify the folks who view challenges as opportunities. - Those with a knack for troubleshooting and finding solutions stand out. 3. Mentors and Inspirers: - Recognize individuals who share their knowledge and inspire their colleagues. 4. The 'X-Factor': Trust your instincts . The indescribable 'X-factor' is like a spark that sets potential leaders apart. Spot the thirsty tech enthusiasts, the problem-solving wizards, the mentorship champions, and those with the elusive 'X-factor.' Keep your radar sharp, and you'll find your tech leaders rising to the top.

Look for characteristic traits like bias for action, focus on continuous improvements, brown bag lunch'n'learns, articles, blogs, hackathon achievements, etc. Another thing to look out for is a passion for learning new technologies, the ability to pivot, and to mentor and train other engineers on the team. Having the knowledge and training to mentor and raise the engineering bar is also a technical skill (though could possibly be added in a soft-skill category too).

In my experience, technical leaders tend to offer their help without solicitation. Those with these specialized skills understand that they are specialized, pursue certain career tracks, and recognize when others struggle with these skills. My son was hired by a manager who overheard him assisting another customer while shopping at a gaming store. He not only displayed technical skills but the leadership it takes to use those skills to assist others.

Identifying potential technical leaders in your company goes beyond their tech skills. Interpersonal and communication abilities are paramount. Top technical leaders effectively communicate with varied audiences - customers, peers, managers, and partners. They collaborate, negotiate, and influence to achieve shared objectives. Observe how candidates interact in various scenarios: meetings, presentations, emails, chats, or feedback sessions. Seek those who exude clarity, confidence, and empathy in their communication, coupled with active listening and constructive feedback abilities. Experience has shown that these soft skills, combined with technical prowess, distinguish truly effective leaders.

This one is key ! I remember when I my manager had asked me to review a select number of staff's performance and select the most competent to be placed in a lead role. Because of the nature of the industry, the primary tactic I used was gauging how level-headed this employee was in various circumstances. Not just with clients/customers but with field management.

Setting the aspirational state for the team is a great skill for any technical or people leader. Setting a vision for the future architecture, platforms, and infrastructure sets a broad, aspirational state for the team on what's possible. This when coupled with a strategic mindset, on streamlining the delivery of the said vision will establish a path for the team and motivate them to bring out the best of themselves.

In my journey of identifying potential technical leaders, I've realized that technical skills are just one facet Here’s what I’ve observed: Broad Picture: Successful technical leaders understand the overarching business context and goals. Alignment: They seamlessly tie their technical decisions with our corporate strategy and values. Anticipation: They're adept at foreseeing future trends, challenges, and opportunities. Innovative Solutions: Not just identifying problems but proposing actionable and innovative solutions. I often engage candidates in conversations about hypothetical projects or scenarios. Their approach to these discussions reveals a lot. The best shine through with their insight, foresight, and proactive strategic thinking

In my experience, while identifying potential technical leaders, leadership behaviors and attitudes are key indicators. It's not just about their technical acumen but how they lead. Here are some of my observations: Leading by Example: Top tech leaders set the pace. They're role models, inspiring and motivating their teams. Team Culture: They foster a positive and productive team environment. Accountability: They take ownership not just of their own work and results but also of their team's outcomes. Handling Situations: Watching how candidates navigate challenges, conflicts, failures, and successes is enlightening. Their approach to supporting, coaching, and mentoring others is a tell-tale sign.

Cultivating technical leaders is like nurturing a garden—you need to provide the right environment for growth. In my journey, offering opportunities and support has been the fertilizer for leadership development. As Henry Ford wisely said, "The only thing worse than training your employees and having them leave is not training them and having them stay." Encourage a growth mindset by providing challenging projects, feedback, coaching, and mentoring. Seek candidates who not only embrace learning but also aspire to make a positive impact. It's not just about identifying leaders; it's about creating an ecosystem where leadership blossoms. So, plant those seeds of growth and watch your technical leaders thrive! ????

Often, managers have talented and brilliant individuals on their team. However, most of the time, they do not provide the tools for these talents to shine in the business. A good leader should use the company's resources to provide these tools for talents to excel in the business.

Seeking to identify potential technical leaders in your organization can lead to favouring specific skill sets over holistic leadership qualities. Alternatively, consider recognizing individuals who demonstrate strong communication skills, adaptability, and willingness to collaborate, instead of focusing solely on technical prowess. Look for team members who inspire others, nurture a positive work culture, and showcase a genuine passion for personal and team development. By valuing leadership qualities beyond technical expertise, you stimulate an inclusive and diverse leadership pipeline that empowers individuals to excel in various technical and leadership roles within your organization.