5 Tips on How to Be a Better Leader for Your Tech Team   

Stories
June 5, 2024

Being a leader isn’t just about making sure tasks get done; it’s about creating an environment where everyone can use their skills to do great work. Strong leaders keep the business running smoothly, ensuring everyone talks and understands each other, pushing forward new ideas, and building successful teams that help the company grow.  

In this blog post, we share five key tips by Renato Amorim, an engineering manager at Intellias, on how to lead tech teams successfully. These insights come from Renato’s personal experience and industry observations. You may find them useful whether you’re currently leading a team or planning to in the future. 

1. Understand the technical side of things 

Leadership in tech begins with a thorough understanding of what your team is working on. Dedicate time to grasping the intricacies of your team’s projects. Knowing the ins and outs helps you identify the hurdles your team faces and figure out how to overcome them. The essence of leadership lies in your ability to guide your team through the complexities of technology projects with a clear, thoughtful approach.  

Remember: Your technical understanding should always be evolving!

2. Set clear expectations

Setting clear expectations is vital for team alignment and performance. Everyone should know what you expect from them in terms of communication, reporting, and collaboration. Clear expectations guide your team, preventing misunderstandings and frustration.  

Make sure to specify your expectations about working hours, availability, feedback mechanisms, and decision-making processes. 

3. Be present

An effective leader is present and accessible. Regular one-on-one meetings are crucial; they show that you see each team member as an individual and care about their professional development and concerns.   

Schedule one-on-ones every two weeks, at a consistent time and place, and always come prepared to discuss various topics.   

Remembering details from previous meetings, taking people’s opinions and comments seriously, and following up on discussed issues shows that you value your team members’ input and are committed to their growth.

4. Inform, share, coach

The tech industry is complex and ever-evolving. As a leader, your broader view of the project and organizational matters can help you guide your engineers through this landscape. By helping your team understand the big picture, you allow them to contribute more effectively.  

Foster a culture of ongoing learning and growth. Initiate mentorship programs, organize tech talks or seminars, and encourage your team to attend industry events. Lead by example: Continually learn and share your insights with the team. This not only helps you grow but also enhances your team’s capabilities. 

5. Stay two Steps ahead

Leadership requires foresight—staying two steps ahead of your team. This is achieved by reflecting on your team’s performance, thinking strategically about upcoming features or milestones, and preparing for future challenges.  

Leaders drive success and foster professional development. 

Effective leadership in tech teams involves a thorough understanding of technical details, excellent communication skills, personal involvement with team members, a strategic approach to sharing knowledge, and regular self-reflection. By adopting these five tips, engineering managers can create a work environment that not only drives projects towards success but also nurtures the personal and professional development of every team member.  

Leadership in tech is a continuous journey. As leaders, it’s our responsibility to anticipate changes, meet needs, and adjust our strategies to guide our teams effectively. By promoting a culture of open communication, encouraging continuous learning, and maintaining a clear vision, leaders can inspire their teams to achieve more and bring out the best in each other. 

 

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