Learning as a technical leader
The most amazing stage of my life as a programmer has been working as a tech leader. Having a team on my charge has been awesome. Next I will explain some learnings about this role.
Your performance is the performance of the team.
You have assignments and your success will depend on completing them. But, in this case, it is mandatory for your team to complete their tasks to achieve the final goal. Your main work is to help your team to achieve their maximum performance: resolve mental blocks, teach what teamwork is, organize the people, etc.
Less coding more guidance
You will decrease the time of code but will increase the time inside the project. Personally, it is a difficult issue because I love coding but we must understand when the people get a high position, then need to use the time in different ways.
Support hiring new talents
You need to take an active role because it will depend on the evolution of your work assignments. Before, that wasn't relevant because you were only an element in your team, but now you are responsible for the team and you must work on it. Remember, now you will need great analytics for the new profiles
Learn strategy
The developers always focus their attention on the day that they are working and the activities they have. When you are a tech lead, you really need to be involved in the way that all people you manage will be able to work better.
One on One
It is really important because it is a dedicated time for an employee and their manager to get together and connect on work. A regular conversation but addressing a specific topic (tasks, work situations, team work, continuous learning, etc).
Constant feedback
We must talk constantly, because communication is the base of team work. We need to go even further, why? Because you don't need to talk only about weakness or troubles, It is necessary to talk about strengths and things the people are doing well. It is very good to strengthen team friendship.
You must support team growth
You mustn't only pay attention to the deliveries or deployments, It is very important to focus your attention on team growth because when the people grow up, then you will get so far too.