Contrary to common belief, software developers are actually better prepared for some leadership roles than is often thought. A common “myth” is that software developers don’t usually make good team leaders. It is clear that some skills needed for the two jobs often differ, eg hard analytic skills vs soft interpersonal skills. A development background can however help in … [Read more...] about 3 Reasons Why Software Developers Make Great Leaders
Archives for 2015
Are you sure about that estimate? Please check it again
Relooking at the estimate question from the management perspective can give you some new and powerful insights regarding clarification, transparency, breakdowns and why face to face reviews are important. I had to submit a combined estimate for the project by the end of the day. I had had a 1 line email from James yesterday, saying that he needed 30 days for his part. I … [Read more...] about Are you sure about that estimate? Please check it again
I want answers! Can you deliver by tomorrow?
It was my first week in the new job as a dev team leader. The bug report looked awful, 5 blockers and 3 of them belonged to my team. Ben the consultant swaggered into the room. Even though I knew he was stressed, he still projected an invincible air of confidence. With the door shut, the meeting started.... Ben launched into an attack about the quality of my team’s … [Read more...] about I want answers! Can you deliver by tomorrow?
Help, I just got promoted to team leader. I don’t know what I’m doing
I wasn’t always a team leader, I used to be a developer, I can clearly remember the day when that all changed. I’d spoken to my department head a month ago. In a recent project I’d not only been the lead developer but I’d been helping out and doing a lot of project management tasks. It had been fun and interesting but it had taken a lot of time and meant I couldn’t do as much … [Read more...] about Help, I just got promoted to team leader. I don’t know what I’m doing