Of all the developer extension titles that get thrown around that can vary extensively from company to company, Team and Tech Leads are at the top of the list. I call these extension titles, because in both, you’re still writing code, still contributing to delivery, still doing all that you do, but now you’re looking for something more.
The conversation to becoming a Tech or Team Lead generally starts like this…
Do you want to work with code or people?
It’s a fair question, but also one that makes you feel like you’re 5 years old again and you’re being offered two different types of ice cream when you really want both.
Many view Team and Tech Lead roles as stepping stones to Principals, Staff, Manager positions which is too bad because both roles are vital to the success of a strong development team. If you’re a dynamite Team Lead, you shouldn’t need to become a manager so you can get a higher salary, you’re a dynamite Team Lead and you deserve it (but that’s another article).
If you are trying to figure out what role is best suited to your skillsets, you can break it down to a couple of key discussion points.
Code vs People
Yes, Technical Leads deal more with Code vs People and vice-versa, but it doesn’t mean you are doing one or…
