A Career as Tech Lead or Engineering Manager | Patrick Kua | Beyond Coding Podcast #83

Readiness

Understanding personal readiness for leadership roles involves evaluating one's behaviors and experiences. Pat Kua emphasizes the importance of proactivity, noting that simply giving someone a title doesn't make them effective leaders. He explains that those who already demonstrate leadership behaviors, such as solving problems and improving team dynamics, are more likely to succeed in leadership roles 1.

If you're a proactive individual, that's what I think about as demonstrating leadership, of spotting something and improving something that you're already doing to help multiply people in your team.

--- Pat Kua

Patrick Akil adds that taking ownership and accountability are crucial, even before officially stepping into a leadership role 1.

   

Career Decisions

Career decisions in tech leadership often involve self-awareness and understanding personal goals. Patrick Akil shares his experience of choosing not to take a tech lead role, opting instead to learn from a more experienced colleague. He believes that being comfortable and honoring the responsibilities of a role is essential 2.

I want to be in that team with them so I can learn from them and kind of take those responsibilities.

--- Patrick Akil

Pat Kua agrees, highlighting the importance of stepping into leadership for the right reasons, such as personal growth and team improvement, rather than external motivations like pay or title 2.

   

Mentorship

Mentorship and learning from experienced leaders are vital for career growth. Pat Kua advises focusing on developing specific skills and experiences rather than fixating on a particular role. He shares his own journey of improving facilitation skills, which later proved valuable in various leadership positions 3.

If you focus on what you want to do or practice skill and experience wise for a time period, you can change that again in the future.

--- Pat Kua

Patrick Akil reflects on how communication, a life skill he honed through podcasting, is transferable to many different roles and opportunities 3.