Leadership in tech is f**king scary

At least, that's what I thought... As a junior developer, I remember feeling scared at the thought of becoming a leader in the tech industry. The idea of being responsible for guiding and directing a team seemed daunting, and I wasn't sure if I was ready for the challenge. Hell, I'm not an "alpha male", I'm not a natural born leader... I've never even been in a position of leadership. I'm just a meek guy who loves learning about tech. There's no way I could ever be promoted to a senior position, right? But after starting a new position a few months ago, I've been observing my team lead and I've come to realize that leadership in tech doesn't have to be scary, and being a leader doesn't require you to be like Tony Robbins. In fact, real leaders are much more human.

One of the key things that I've learned about leadership in tech is the importance of patience. Leading a team of developers requires a lot of time and effort, and it can be easy to get frustrated when things don't go as planned. But a good leader knows that patience is key. They understand that software development is a complex process, and that it takes time to build high-quality products. They also know that their team members are working hard and doing their best, and they provide support and guidance to help them overcome challenges. A leader who is endlessly patient is more effective than one who gets frustrated easily.

Another important quality of a good leader in tech is being kind to your peers. It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a fast-paced tech environment, and it can be tempting to be critical of others when things don't go as planned. But a good leader knows that being kind and supportive to their team members is crucial for creating a positive work environment. They understand that their team members are human beings, and that they need encouragement and support to do their best work. A leader who supports and encourages their team is more effective than one who throws their weight around or tries to intimidate their team.

In addition to patience and kindness, humility is another crucial quality for a leader in tech. A good leader knows that they don't have all the answers, and that they need to be open to learning from others. They are willing to listen to their team members, and to take their ideas and feedback into account when making decisions. They also know that they are not perfect, and that they will make mistakes. But instead of getting defensive or trying to cover up their mistakes, a good leader takes responsibility for their actions and learns from them.

Finally, a good leader in tech is someone who is willing to keep learning. The tech industry is constantly evolving, and a good leader knows that they need to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies. They are curious and open-minded, and they are always looking for ways to improve their skills and knowledge. They also understand that learning is not just about staying current, but also about growing and evolving as a leader. They are not above learning from their teammates/juniors. A leader who is open to hearing ideas from the team is more effective than a leader who never listens to his team.

In conclusion, leadership in tech can be scary, but it doesn't have to be. With patience, kindness, humility, and a willingness to keep learning, anyone can become a successful leader in the tech industry. These qualities not only help leaders to guide and support their team members, but they also enable them to create a positive and inclusive work environment, where everyone can thrive and do their best work.