I'm only a mid-level developer. I've been offered a position as a tech lead with the aim of building a team. What advice would you give a new, inexperienced, and ambitious tech lead?
Thank you HN
Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
1–10 of 259 posts
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#2Your role will probably change drastically. Keep an open mind and be ready to learn a lot of stuff that is not only writing code.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#3Read at least the first few chapters of Camille Fournier’s The Manager’s Path.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#4Read "7 Habits of Highly Effective People"
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#5The Manager Tools podcast is a good guide to learn management skills.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#6Empathy. Definitely practice empathy. Hacking brains is a lot more difficult compared to hacking code.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#7Focus on results, transparency, trust, iteration
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#8A good leader doesn't compete with others- they bring out the best in others.
They assume the best of others.
They lead by example.
They are a facilitate as much as they delegate, and they don't lose sight of the fact that you can't lead from the trenches.
A good leader remains objective when it's hard to do so, and doesn't take it personally when somebody disagrees with them.
A good leader is kind, humble, and willing to help.
A good leader doesn't back down from using a firm approach when it's needed.
A good leader doesn't apologize for doing things that have to be done (discipline, firing etc).
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#9You seem to already have it, but admit what you don't know, and don't be coy about it. You will learn from those below you as much as from those above you.
Re: Ask HN: Advice for a new and inexperienced tech lead?
#10Read everything you can from Camille Fournier and consider attending (or at least watching all you can) the next LeadDev conference closest to you.