What is your best advice for software developers and engineers who are eager to transition into a leadership position?
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I love this response Jonathan. I might add that it's a great idea to develop your business acumen. Understand how the business makes money. Learn to speak the language of the business - i.e. revenues, expenses, margins, customer acquisition, etc. The more developers and engineers understand the business and speak the language of business, the better they are at becoming trusted advisors and ensuring that the right problems are being solved. <br><br>Developing business acumen often involves engagement with mentors, developing a wide-ranging network both within and outside the company, and taking on a product mindset. May comments here already point out that leadership is about people, communication, relationships, etc. <br><br>Doing all that and having high business acumen will go a very long way in helping to make that transition.
My advice for those transitioning to a leadership role is to start building connections with people in different departments. Engineers often focus on building the best widgets or automations, but when it comes to leadership, it's about selling what you've built. To do this successfully, you need to connect with people from marketing, operations, service, etc. Don't just go in with solutions, listen and understand their problems. This will also give you an opportunity to build your internal network. Leadership is about convincing people and telling your stories. Another piece of advice is to always raise your hand for new opportunities.
I would suggest getting a good mentor, whether that's inside or outside the company. If you're not getting the mentorship or opportunities within your company, it might be a signal that it's not the right place for you to grow. Also, be honest with yourself and think about times when you've been disappointed by your leaders. If you encounter a similar problem, strive to be the leader you wish you had. Be the person that shields your team, takes the hit, and does the hard work for everyone else.
1. Define your “why do you want to move in a formal leadership role”
2. It’s all about people, so better learn how to deal with people.
3. Better take formal training before taking on the role
4. I would highly recommend to have a leadership mentor to help you in the process
My advice would primarily be to start by taking on a mentorship role. If you're a candidate for leadership, you're likely already doing this in a healthy organization. Spend part of your time teaching the more junior engineers. It's a cliche, but the best way to learn something is to teach it. Also, learn a new skill, preferably a soft skill. It helps you think more broadly, which is essential for a leader. Another thing I used to encourage my team to do is practice preparing and giving presentations. It's good practice for sharper communication skills and helps people organize their thoughts, becoming more confident in oral communication, which is a crucial skill for anyone in a leadership position.