5 tips for software engineers transitioning to team leader role
The demand for software is growing continuously. Even in such crazy times as the year 2020, software companies are still rapidly hiring. Newly created teams need strong leadership and leaders are often chosen among software engineers, but what next? Is it possible to prepare for such a change?
I want to point out my observations and possible obstacles that software engineers might find on their way to a team-leading.
1. Your day is no longer a 7-hour coding session
Since you became a team leader, you have to reorganize your work, manage your priorities, cancel the invitation for some meetings, and warmly welcome the new ones.
Personally, I tried to fit all of those into the software engineer’s daily routine, which was a terrible mistake. I filled up a space between meetings with other activities like coding to maximize my time’s efficiency, which was just a self-deception that I will end-up a day with a clear mind. I catch myself spending time analyzing meetings and next steps — but after work!
I can agree that it’s not always easy to squeeze leader responsibilities into 8-hour job brackets, but taking care of your mental health and enjoyment (because it’s all about that) is also very important.
