8/28/15

Definition of a Tech Lead

Good summary of a “tech lead” by James McGovern:
If you are in this role and want to live up to your title, then you need the following skills:
  • Accountable – The buck stops here, someone who can shoulder the responsibility without pointing fingers at others.
  • Adaptable – Life changes fast, if can’t change with the times, you’ll be left behind.
  • Approachable – their team can ask them questions and talk to them.
  • Attentive – they actually listen to their team and understand them.
  • Aware – they’re aware of what is going on around them instead of sticking their head in the sand.
  • Can type – No hen peck typists need apply in this industry.
  • Charismatic – People have got to want to listen to you.
  • Communicative – You’ve got to want to communicate with your team.
  • Competent – You’ve gotta know your stuff.
  • Confident – If you’re not confident in yourself, how is anyone else going to be?
  • Decisive – can make decisions themselves and be accountable for them.
  • Driven – You’ve gotta see the goal and go right after it.
  • Focused – You’ve gotta have the staying power to keep going and reach the goal.
  • Inspirational – this is the most important one for me! If you can’t inspire people, what are you doing?
  • Meticulous – The truth is in the details.
  • Nurturing – The test of a good teacher is when their students surpass them.
  • Resourceful – You’ve gotta be able to find the answers to the things you don’t know.
  • Technically minded – In this industry at least.
  • Understanding – If your team don’t think you understand them, they won’t bother trying to understand you.
As a leader, it’s your delegates that help build your success. Treat them like gold, and they will do the same for you. One non-programmer that can inspire 10 “average” programmers to greatness is worth more than one great programmer who can’t inspire their team to do more than meet their job requirements…

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