How to be a Good Tech Lead
Hello people!
Today I would like to bring up a topic that has become really important to me, Technical Leadership.
I have around 4 years of experience playing this role and I would like to share what I’ve learned so far.
Based on my journey driving teams, I could learn a lot from a huge amount of different people, and mainly, I could learn a lot from my own mistakes.
My idea with this article is to share with you the leadership approach that I think is more effective and the one that I use.
The Democratic Leadership Style
Technical leadership, especially in the role of a Tech Lead, is a nuanced responsibility that extends beyond project management to nurturing the growth of individual team members.
Adopting a democratic leadership style offers a strategic approach to guiding teams and focusing on the progression of members toward more senior engineering roles. With this article, I would like to explore the key principles of democratic leadership and how Tech Leads can effectively apply them to cultivate a team of seasoned professionals.
Ok Julio, but what’s the “The Democratic Leadership Style”?
Democratic leadership revolves around inclusivity, collaboration, and shared decision-making. Unlike traditional hierarchical structures, a democratic Tech Lead actively involves team members in the decision-making process, fostering an environment where everyone’s input is valued. This approach is particularly impactful in software development’s dynamic and innovative landscape.
Team Feeling
One of the most important actions here is to ensure that you have a psychological safety approach applied to your team and that all members can feel it.
It looks interesting, but what is Psychological Safety?
To explain it, I’ll quote Amy Gallo.
Team psychological safety is a shared belief held by members of a team that it’s OK to take risks, to express their ideas and concerns, to speak up with questions, and to admit mistakes — all without fear of negative consequences. As Edmondson puts it, “it’s felt permission for candor.”
If you want to read more, I encourage you to read her amazing article about Team psychological safety by clicking here.
So following the psychological safety principle, at the core of democratic leadership is the emphasis on collaboration and inclusivity. As a Tech Lead, adopting this approach means creating an environment where team members feel encouraged to share their ideas, concerns, and solutions. Regular team meetings, brainstorming sessions, and open communication channels contribute to a culture where everyone has a voice.
Inclusivity not only enhances problem-solving by considering diverse perspectives but also instills a sense of ownership within the team. This collaborative atmosphere lays the foundation for a more motivated and engaged team, which is crucial for their growth as engineers.
Above I would like to mention 3 key topics of the democratic leadership style.
1. Empowering Individual Growth
A democratic Tech Lead actively empowers individual team members to take charge of their own growth. This involves recognizing and nurturing the unique strengths and potential of each team member. Providing opportunities for skill development, mentorship programs, and personalized career path discussions are vital components of this leadership style.
By investing in the growth of team members, a Tech Lead sets the stage for their progression to more senior engineering roles. This empowerment not only enhances the capabilities of individual team members but also contributes to the overall strength of the team.
2. Creating a Culture of Continuous Learning
In the fast-paced world of technology, continuous learning is a prerequisite for success. A democratic Tech Lead fosters a culture of curiosity and adaptability within the team. This involves providing resources for professional development, organizing knowledge-sharing sessions, and encouraging participation in conferences and workshops.
A commitment to continuous learning not only equips team members with the skills needed to adapt to evolving technologies but also ensures a team that is resilient and ready to tackle new challenges. The result is a collective growth that positions team members for more senior roles.
3. Encouraging Mentorship and Knowledge Sharing
Mentorship is a powerful tool for fostering growth within a team. A democratic Tech Lead actively encourages mentorship and knowledge sharing among team members. Pairing less experienced engineers with mentors and creating opportunities for the exchange of skills and insights facilitates a more supportive learning environment.
Regular forums for knowledge sharing, whether through tech talks, workshops, or collaborative projects, enhance the overall proficiency of the team. This approach not only accelerates individual growth but also establishes a culture where mentorship is ingrained, leading to the organic development of more senior engineers.
In conclusion, the democratic leadership style is a potent strategy for Tech Leads aiming to drive the growth of their teams toward more senior engineering roles. By fostering collaboration, empowering individual growth, promoting continuous learning, and encouraging mentorship, a Tech Lead sets the stage for a team that not only excels in the present but is well-prepared for the challenges of the future. The democratic approach becomes a guiding force, shaping not just the projects at hand, but also the careers of each team member, propelling them towards senior roles in the ever-evolving landscape of software engineering.
I hope that my vision and how I implement the democratic technical leadership could help you!
See you in another article!
Julio Falbo
