I’m currently a senior developer, but relatively new in the role of a “lead”. In my current project, I’m having a kind of co-lead and we have two devs working in our team. So a rather small enterprise.

Now my boss told me, that going forward, I will probably be leading larger and more complex projects (possible rather soon).

Since I’m constantly doubting myself, I would really like to learn more about how to be an effective/likeable lead. I’ve had too many “leads” who were just dogshit, professionally and as a person. I don’t want to be that (at least the professional part).

So, I guess my question is: what helped you? Books, articles, just random hints or strategies? I’ll take everything.

  • monomon@programming.dev
    2·
    8 months ago

    Great answer. I am also a fresh “lead” and am struggling with some aspects, but as you said, clarifying the direction and working together are the most important ones. Pairing also allows you to explain things in more depth, which aids understanding.

    We don’t do complex planning, usually have a few meetings and we start prototyping. So that’s been a non-issue luckily as a lead. Detailed estimation can be really exhausting and takes a toll on the team.