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Description
Engineers can get promoted to leadership positions without knowing what is expected of them. It’s less of the same and more of a sidestep.
Pat Kua and I discuss the tech lead and engineering manager roles and what makes a person effective being in that role. On top of that we give perspective for people interested in those positions.
Enjoy!
Youtube
Full episode on YouTube ▶️
https://youtu.be/QMS4anI_oJo
New episodes every Wednesday with our host Patrick Akil!
Big shoutout to Xebia for making this episode possible!
Guest
Connect with Pat Kua:
https://www.patkua.com
https://twitter.com/patkua
https://www.linkedin.com/in/patkua
Pat’s newsletter:
https://levelup.patkua.com
Outline
00:00:00 – Intro00:00:42 – Different problems in coaching CTOs
00:02:08 – Problems when it comes to team structure
00:03:47 – Coaching aspects
00:06:14 – The tech lead and engineering manager paths are sidesteps
00:08:21 – Mismatch in expectations
00:10:05 – Skills a tech lead requires
00:12:54 – Dealing with people
00:16:44 – Communication challenges
00:18:13 – When is the right time to step into a leadership position?
00:20:51 – Leadership positions are not for everyone
00:23:42 – Learning from others
00:26:21 – Relationship between tech lead and engineering manager
00:31:58 – Pitfall of splitting tech lead and engineering manager
00:34:27 – Conversations about roles and responsibilities
00:36:51 – Leadership teams
00:37:43 – Who is responsible for team effectiveness?
00:40:23 – Pat’s favourite role in the past
00:43:47 – Figuring out what you like and dislike doing
00:44:46 – What do you want to do?
00:46:54 – Growth mindset