What Tech Leads really do and how you can start today

If you’re curious about what tech leads really do and how you can try some of it yourself, this article is for you.

A tech lead isn’t the “best coder” on the team or in the organisation. Sure, they write code, but their real job is helping everyone ship great work together. Think of the tech lead as a coach and a guide who:

• Helps set the direction (What should we build next?)

• Unblocks teammates (Who’s stuck? How can I help?)

• Talks to non-engineers (Translates tech stuff for others)

• Makes sure everyone is moving in the same direction

The daily work may vary depending on the circumstances, but the following activities are always part of the tech lead's job:

• Listen first. They check in with teammates, ask what’s tricky, and notice who needs support.

• Share the “why.” Before anyone jumps into code, great tech leads explain the big picture. Why does this feature matter?

• Mentor and teach. Spot someone unsure? Tech leads walk them through problems, give tips, and help them level up.

• Communicate clearly. From writing meeting notes everyone understands, to summarizing decisions for the team, or aligning with stakeholders, tech leads get the message across.

Even if you’re officially not a tech lead yet, you can try some of the duties right now:

• Host a standup. Offer to run a daily or weekly meeting. Make sure that the goal of the event is clear, then keep it short and helpful.

• Write a mini-doc. Explain a new tool, process, or lesson learned. Share it with your team in simple words.

• Check on a teammate. Is someone quiet or behind? Ask if they need help.

• Ask the “why.” Before writing code for a ticket, understand why it was created and how it relates to the company's goals.

• Connect with other teams. Volunteer to help sync up with product managers, designers, or QA.

You don’t have to change everything overnight. Try one action each week. Grab a sticky note, stick it on your monitor, and write:

“What would a tech lead do here?”

Pretty soon, teammates and managers will look to you for answers, help, and direction. That’s how leadership really starts.

By showing leadership today, you’re one big step closer to being a tech lead tomorrow. Now pick one thing to try, and get started!

There are three main parts to tech leadership. You need to know how to build high-performing teams, how to behave as a leader, and how to manage up.

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