Software Leadership

  • Set technical direction - short term first and build some quick wins. Set longer goals and check in periodically on progress
  • Divide tasks into buckets of "Must keep" / Delegate / External
  • Conduct weekly 1-on-1s
  • Create an education plan for yourself and help others with theirs
  • Think like a marketer - business need
  • Estimates should be in weighted of best case, most likely, and worst case itemized numbers
  • Examine designs. Ask questions. Understand what is being proposed.
  • Block off time for your own work
  • Hold office hours like a professor
  • Figure out if time or features is more important when trying to determine the motivators behind the deadlines
  • Be clear about goals and expectations
  • Use Loom for async communication and video feedback
  • Support reflection - use journal or something similar
    • List accomplishments, learnings, and things you're proud of
  • How do you amplify the work of others?
  • Be cross-functional. Work with other teams. Find out what's important to them and frame info in a way that's relevant.
  • Look for ways to streamline, automate, and improve
  • Look for ways to reduce errors
  • Advocate for things you feel passionately about
  • Act with empathy