Tech lead - From zero to hero

Before 0

Debunking the myth: Being a Tech Lead is not a mandatory step in every engineering career. If you relish coding, there's no need to force yourself into the Tech Lead role. However, if you've set your sights on leadership, this article is your guide, particularly if you're in the early stages. Let's navigate the choices together! ???? #TechLead #EngineeringCareer #CareerChoices

The skillset

There is a minimum set of skills, in my opinion, a tech leader should meet, let's take a look at a few of those, and, in my opinion, the most relevant ones.

High Technical abilities

To craft effective solutions, mastery of the technologies employed is crucial. As a Tech Lead, validating your team's code and providing constructive feedback is paramount for their growth.

Technical proficiency is perishable. Just as you maintain physical fitness through regular exercise, staying adept in technology demands continuous learning. Ensure you grasp the fundamentals of every language, framework, tool, and emerging concept. Subscribe to tech feeds, engage in developer communities, and explore relevant books to stay ahead.

Problem-solving

At its core, problem-solving stands as the cornerstone skill in our tech arsenal. It involves navigating through a myriad of challenges, from creating a customer notification bot to architecting a data pipeline for a sales data warehouse.

The 'Divide & Conquer' strategy emerges as a linchpin in problem resolution. Mastery in breaking down complex issues into manageable parts is a hallmark of seasoned engineers. This aptitude is a compelling reason why problem-solving expertise is a prerequisite for a mature engineer stepping into the role of a tech lead.

In the realm of problem-solving, infinite pathways exist, and a tech lead's mettle is measured by the ingenuity of their solutions. Striving for the 'BEST' solution, though elusive, remains the mission. The quest is to deliver solutions that are not only optimal but also cost-effective, scalable, extensible, and crystal clear in their implementation.

Communication

Transitioning into a tech lead role, even without prior experience, likely means you've already honed some critical skills. However, effective communication becomes your linchpin as a tech lead.

Communication spans 360 degrees — with your team, peers, and managers. Tailoring your message for each audience, even when rooted in the same goal, is paramount.

For your team, clarity is key. Articulate your vision, expectations, timelines, and quality standards to seamlessly piece together the project puzzle.

Engaging with peers involves validating solutions, offering technical feedback, and precision in specifications when dependencies on other teams exist.

With managers, transparency is non-negotiable. Clearly convey solutions, encompassing costs, timeframes, and expected outcomes. If your managers are tech-centric (e.g., VPoE, CTO), aligning your tech solution with their philosophy is crucial.

Communication doesn't stop there. As a tech lead, relentless questioning is a must. Challenge proposed tech solutions, scrutinize product direction, and seek out the low-hanging fruits.

In essence, communication serves as the pencil sketching the treasure map leading to your team's success—the coveted gold chest of achievements. ????? #TechLeadership #EffectiveCommunication #TeamSuccess"

The behaviour

behavior is a key aspect of a tech lead and is the main differentiator between a developer role and this sort of role. let's explore a few key behaviors you have to get to be a successful TL

Be humble

Cultivating humility is a pivotal trait, regardless of your technical prowess. Failing to showcase humility about your past and present work could create an unfavorable working environment. Collaboration is the essence of teamwork, thriving in a respectful atmosphere.

In moments of significant success, it's imperative to acknowledge and praise your team's contributions. Even if you played a substantial role, recognizing your team's support is integral, as their success aligns with yours.

Strike a balance that challenges your team without pushing them to burnout. Ensuring they consistently feel supported and can rely on you fosters a positive and resilient team dynamic. ???? #Leadership #TeamCollaboration #HumilityInTech

Be accountable

Navigating accountability can be challenging! Assuming responsibility for outcomes that may not solely fall on your shoulders is an integral part of the role.

When your team encounters setbacks, shield them from undue blame, but ensure transparency about the failure's details. Facilitate the necessary corrections to prevent a recurrence. While it might seem that not every failure is directly attributable to a Tech Lead, pondering the circumstances often reveals a shared responsibility. This holds true in the context of a healthy and collaborative team environment. ???? #Leadership #Accountability #TeamResponsibility

Be impartial

Strive for utmost impartiality; treat your team as seasoned professionals, not as your children. Regardless of whether they recently graduated or boast a decade of experience, remember, they are not your 'kids.' Unleash their full potential by extracting all they have to offer, challenging their abilities, and providing support where needed.

Avoid favoritism—no easy feat given our human inclinations. Demonstrate that each team member is treated equally. Publicly acknowledge achievements and offer constructive criticism privately. Drawing from my experiences, I've observed the pitfalls of overprotective Tech Leads who shielded their teams to a fault, often neglecting a clear improvement plan. In the end, it's the developers who bear the brunt of such mismanagement. ???? #Leadership #Impartiality #TeamDevelopment"

Foster Team Members' Growth

Time passes for everyone, and personal growth is a continuous journey with dreams and objectives. As a Tech Lead, understanding your team's aspirations, mid to long-term goals, and how you can facilitate their realization is crucial. Recognize that your team members harbor expectations, and the mark of an exceptional leader lies in assisting them in achieving those expectations.

Once acquainted with their aspirations, collaboratively construct a roadmap to attain their goals. Be a supportive partner on their journey, even if it entails team members eventually moving on. This role extends beyond the workplace, contributing significantly to both professional and personal fulfillment. There's nothing more gratifying than playing a pivotal role in the growth of those you lead. ???? #Leadership #TeamGrowth #ProfessionalDevelopment

The results

The results are, in the end, what you will be evaluated by. As a TL you have to be more conscious about them and especially how they contribute to the product.

Keep the Goal in Sight

As a Tech Lead, you wield enhanced visibility into the product and comprehend how your contributions steer its success. It's crucial to consistently question, 'How will the customer use this? Is it delivering value? Does this feature align with the product?' While these inquiries might not have been paramount during your developer days, they are now indispensable.

Don't hesitate to ask probing questions, even of the CEO, to ensure that what you're constructing aligns with the broader vision. Wholehearted belief in your work is paramount; only then can you inspire your team. Embrace this perspective—it's not just about building; it's about building with purpose and impact. ???? #TechLeadership #ProductAlignment #TeamInspiration

Assess the Outcomes

Building without gauging the impact on the product is ill-advised. Evaluation is key for honing critical thinking and facilitating your team's recognition within the organization. Acknowledge your team's triumphs at company-wide events, fostering a culture of celebration.

Continually reflect on how to enhance results in upcoming product iterations. This ongoing assessment not only refines your strategies but also propels your team towards greater achievements. Embrace a cycle of improvement and celebration for sustained success. ???? #OutcomeAnalysis #TeamRecognition #ContinuousImprovement

Conclusion

This isn't meant to be an exhaustive article; my aim was to spotlight the key attributes of a top-notch tech lead.

Never feel compelled to transition into a tech lead role, even after years as a developer. It's crucial to contribute where you find fulfillment. Today, salary differentials are negligible, with tech experts often earning more than tech leads. There's no excuse to see this path as obligatory.

If you do decide, reflect on the impactful Tech Leads who influenced you. Emulate their qualities, as I've outlined here.

Any thoughts? Feel free to share your comments; I welcome the conversation!