Are you a Tech Lead?

An year ago, my next career goal was to become a Tech Lead. I wondered whether it is something I can achieve with dedication and aiming high or is it a simple case of being born with leadership gene, if such thing actually exist. When I consulted with Ben Liquete, my team’s Tech Lead at Barnardos Australia, we brainstormed about the qualities that makes up a Tech Lead and it came down to the following: A Tech Lead is an experienced programmer and a valuable team member. Is that all? No, there is more to it. Let’s dig deeper, shall we?

An experienced programmer:

• has solid knowledge of principals and architectures
• has experience that can be shared
• is not afraid to explore uncharted territories
• owns business concepts quickly
• is a quick learner when it comes to team’s methodologies, procedures & technologies
• can find balance between what’s best for the team and what’s best for the business

A valuable team member:

• is aware of a colleagues sensitivities
• will do as they say they will and follow through when they give their word
• uses the language of “We”
• seeks feedback from team member and can use the feedback to better themselves
• provides constructive, truthful, helpful feedback to team members
• is a good listener
• is not afraid to speak up when it matters
• be flexible when an opinion differs from theirs
• teaches the team a particular skill they owns
• helps the team to handle their tasks
• shares knowledge about technologies and new findings
• reviews the work of a team member to help them better themselves
• is capable of not letting negativity hinder the team’s productivity
• completes work and tasks in a way that will allow smooth and almost effortless transition to the follow up tasks

That sounds great but where is the ‘lead’ side of things of Tech Lead?