Reflecting on my experience since I became a team leader last August, I have to admit it is more challenging than I anticipated. It is so on two different counts.
Firstly, the social and communication skill set a team leader role requires is not usually nurtured by typical software engineering environments. Interacting with software is not the same than interacting with human beings! And I have been developing software for a bit now. However, as a leader you are in constant dialogue with your team. In fact, it becomes the most important part of the job. I think I still have to improve on this aspect.
Secondly, throughout my relatively short career I’ve always relied on my own efforts to meet deadlines and quality standards. However, now I need to rely on others to deliver. I still try and do a lot myself but this is not sustainable. Plus, it definitely is not the best way to make your team feel trustworthy. For instance, a few projects we are currently working on are due next week and things haven’t been going as smoothly as I would have hoped. And the nearer we get to the deadline, the stronger the feeling to revert to my old habits becomes. This week I worked very hard to ensure we deliver on time. You realise you’re not doing such a great job when one of the most junior persons in your team tells you you need to delegate more! So I definitely have to improve on this aspect as well.
All in all however, it has been a very exciting year and I’m grateful I have been given this opportunity. I am also looking forward to the future because I firmly believe I can become a very good team leader. I’ll certainly work hard to become one at least.
