Now you are a tech lead, so you should stop coding, right? NO! As responsibilities expand to include team management, project planning, and strategic decision-making, some tech leads may be tempted to step away from hands-on coding. However, there are compelling reasons why tech leads should resist the urge to abandon the keyboard and continue to actively code. Some of the top tech leads, so as Michael Lopp in his book “Managing Humans”, recommend tech leaders to not stop coding.
In this article I am going to explain you why it is not a good idea to stop coding and it is totally valid and even required for a tech lead to code.
Maintaining technical credibility
In the eyes of the team, technical credibility is earned through hands-on experience. Continuously coding allows tech leads to retain their technical prowess, earning the respect and trust of their team members. This credibility is essential for effective communication, collaboration, and decision-making within the team.
Furthermore, the act of continuous coding serves as an effective communication tool. It transcends verbal expression by showcasing competence in the language of code. Observing a tech lead actively contributing to the codebase establishes a shared understanding of technical aspects, reinforcing the notion that technical leadership is intimately connected to the practicalities of software development.
Building technical credibility is crucial for cultivating trust within the team. Team members are more likely to trust a leader who not only comprehends the theoretical aspects of development but is also willing to engage directly with the code when necessary. This trust forms the foundation for collaborative and open communication, creating an environment where ideas and concerns can be freely exchanged.
Staying close to the team
By coding alongside their team members, tech leads gain a better understanding of the challenges developers face. As a tech lead, staying close to your team becomes a potent tool when setting realistic expectations for project timelines and deliverables. Understanding the nuances of the development process allows for more accurate estimations, aligning project goals with the team’s capabilities. This, in turn, contributes to a healthier work environment, where goals are challenging yet achievable, preventing the team from feeling overwhelmed or undervalued.
Moreover, the empathy cultivated through coding enables tech leads to provide tailored support to their team members. Recognizing the specific challenges developers face allows for targeted assistance, whether it be in the form of mentorship, additional resources, or strategic problem-solving sessions. This personalized support not only enhances the team’s performance but also solidifies the tech lead’s role as a reliable and understanding guide in the development journey.
Additionally, active coding puts tech leads in a prime position for effective performance monitoring. By immersing themselves in the code, tech leads can spot potential bottlenecks, identify areas for improvement, and gauge the overall health of the development process. This real-time awareness allows for swift interventions, optimizing performance and ensuring that the team operates at its peak potential.
Not getting bored
You are probably in your position as a tech lead, because you performed exceptionally good as an individual contributor. So coding is something close to your heart and as much as you enjoy your management position, sometimes you need to solve technical challenges, so you are not getting bored.
This inclination isn’t a means to escape managerial duties but rather a pragmatic approach to prevent monotony. Your enjoyment of coding, a skill that contributed significantly to your advancement, serves as a practical and fulfilling outlet. These periodic forays into technical problem-solving not only align with your core competencies but also act as a refreshing counterbalance to the managerial aspects of your role. The intersection of leadership and coding expertise ensures a well-rounded skill set, making you adept at both strategic decision-making and hands-on technical contributions.
Moreover as long as you are in the middle management you job is to bridge the gap between business and tech. So people above you might even expect to get your hands dirty.
Risks of coding as a tech lead
While coding as a tech lead offers numerous advantages, it also comes with its set of risks you should be aware of:
- Time Management:
- Risk: Balancing coding responsibilities with managerial tasks can be challenging. There’s a risk of time constraints, potentially leading to delays in project management and team support.
- Mitigation: Implement effective time management strategies, delegate non-coding responsibilities where possible, and prioritize tasks based on their impact on team goals.
- Reduced Focus on Leadership:
- Risk: Excessive focus on coding might divert attention from crucial leadership aspects like strategic planning, team motivation, and long-term vision.
- Mitigation: Set designated time blocks for coding tasks, ensuring that leadership responsibilities are not neglected. Delegate tasks to capable team members to share the load.
- Risk of Micromanagement:
- Risk: Engaging too closely in coding tasks may unintentionally lead to micromanagement, potentially stifling the team’s creativity and autonomy.
- Mitigation: Foster a culture of autonomy within the team, encourage open communication, and trust team members to deliver on their responsibilities.
- Outdated Technical Knowledge:
- Risk: The fast-paced nature of technology can make it challenging for tech leads to stay current with the latest developments if too much time is spent coding.
- Mitigation: Schedule regular time for professional development, attend industry events, and encourage continuous learning within the team.
- Communication Breakdown:
- Risk: Spending extensive time on coding may result in a lack of communication with non-technical stakeholders, leading to misunderstandings and misalignments.
- Mitigation: Prioritize effective communication, delegate communication tasks as needed, and ensure that both technical and non-technical aspects are addressed.
- Resistance from Team Members:
- Risk: Team members may perceive a tech lead who actively codes as too involved, potentially leading to resistance or challenges in accepting managerial decisions.
- Mitigation: Communicate transparently with the team, clarify the role expectations, and emphasize the importance of both coding and leadership responsibilities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, tech leads who continue to code not only remain technically proficient but also contribute to a positive and productive team culture. By staying connected to the coding trenches, tech leads can lead more effectively, inspire their team, and navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology with confidence.
However be aware of the risks. Coding is not your main priority. You have your team for doing the actual development work. Properly balance your technical involvement with your leadership responsibilities. When you keep track of this, coding as a tech lead is perfectly fine and will make you a better team lead.