How you can build your way to Tech Lead (Part 3)

In our previous two issues, we explored the foundational steps to building your way to a tech lead as well as which other skills, such as taking initiative and building a vision, are valuable for tech leads. You can read part one here and part two here.

To conclude this series of looking at what it takes to build your way to tech lead, we’ll explore what you need to do for your team to create a kick-ass unit that can get anything done.

Let’s dive into part 3 of our 3 part series.

Cultivate Teamwork and Collaboration

Being someone who is good at working in a team and is also collaborative is a skill. And as with any other skill, everyone will be at different levels.

However, the right environment makes working in a team a seamless process, where ideas flow, work is outputted and goals are achieved.

Tech leads play a large part in the role of dictating the type of work environment for the rest of the team. As a leader, the team will look to you to not only set the example and demonstrate how to effectively get things done, but also how to communicate and collaborate with the broader team.

You should promote open communication. Always. Create an environment where everyone has a platform to share ideas and voice concerns. All the members of the team having a voice and a say will create a team that trusts each other and isn’t afraid to take risks.

Beyond just communication and collaboration, it’s important for you, as the tech lead, to identify opportunities where the rest of your team members can grow. It’s always subjective to the tech lead, the project and the team member, but keep your eyes open for opportunities, obvious or otherwise, that you think would help challenge or grow another member of the team. They’ll thank you for it.

Embrace Continuous Learning

Technology and best practices are always evolving and staying informed requires being a lifelong learner. That’s what you need to be.

Your team will look to you for guidance and advice, so it’s your responsibility and privilege to be able to provide that. However, you can’t provide sound advice if you’re misinformed or not up-to-date. Keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the technology world and ensure that you identify emerging trends that are relevant to you and your team.

Be ready to adapt and evolve. You have to be open to changing processes or technologies that will benefit the team and project. Being a “comfortable developer” is either naivety or very short-lived.

Make sure that you’re always keeping up (or staying ahead) of the curve.

Seek Feedback and Reflect

A system for providing feedback, positive or otherwise, is crucial. Your job is to lead the team. But the team can often show you how they want to be led. You may not always know best and this you have to accept.

Create a mechanism for your team to provide open, honest feedback about you and how you’re doing. They can share positives so you know what’s working, as well as negatives so you know what to improve on.

Ego is a tough thing. But putting that aside, especially when working with people and teams, is the most important thing you can do. I’ve seen a lot of projects fail just because egos got in the way. Avoid making this mistake and rather be a leader that looks to improve constantly and actively.

Beyond this, take time to self-reflect. Analyze yourself, your approach and your recent failures.

Something my father shared with me, that’s always stuck with me, was how he would analyze and review all the major or difficult conversations we had when I was growing up. He’d take the time to think about and reflect on what he could have done better, so that he’s better prepared for next time, so that he can be the best possible father to me. That’s incredibly special.

Being a tech lead is much like being a father or mother. You have people that depend on you for guidance and support. It’s your responsibility to help them grow and achieve their goals.

Who would have thought that being a tech lead would prepare you for parenthood?

And that’s a wrap on how you can build your way to tech lead!

I hope that you enjoyed this series. What should our next series be on? Respond to this email to let me know your thoughts and I promise to get back to you.

Have a great weekend.

See you again next week.

​

Whenever you’re ready, there are 3 ways I can help you:

1. Join me on LinkedIn and engage with me directly (55 000+ followers)
2. Get a FREE copy of my book 101 Tips For Becoming A Better Developer (3 600+ downloads)
3. Reach out to Origen Software for us to solve your problems (for founders and start-ups)