# Level up as a Tech Lead This newsletter covers the "lead" part of the Tech Lead role by deep diving into the soft skills required to be successful in this role. This is one page of public article previews, not the complete archive. Follow Next page to continue. Summaries are not the original full articles. ## How 1-1s make your life easier as a Tech Lead DevFeed: [How 1-1s make your life easier as a Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-09-17T11:58:54Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [ide]() Tags: [coaching](), [communication](), [delegation](), [mentoring](), [team](), [tech-lead](), [time](), [trust]() ### AI overview This opinion article explains how regular one-on-one meetings can help Tech Leads identify blockers, improve communication, delegate work, build trust, and mentor team members. It argues that investing in these conversations can reduce misalignment and make the leader's work easier over time. ### Source excerpt Save yourself from surprises, misalignments, and unnecessary drama. ## What to Do When You Are Performing a Tech Lead Role Without the Title DevFeed: [What to Do When You Are Performing a Tech Lead Role Without the Title]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-07-08T06:01:32Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [management](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article responds to a subscriber who has been informally performing tech lead responsibilities but was told she was not good enough for the official role. It recommends pursuing the role with a new manager, presenting evidence of existing leadership, agreeing on a concrete growth plan, and requesting specific feedback about technical expectations. ### Source excerpt What to do when you're doing the role, but not getting the credit ## A Structured Process for Tech Leads to Develop Soft Skills DevFeed: [A Structured Process for Tech Leads to Develop Soft Skills]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-05-28T06:01:51Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [.NET Conf]() Tags: [article](), [coaching](), [how-to](), [leadership](), [management](), [skills](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview This tutorial presents a structured, intentional, and measurable process for tech leads to develop soft skills. It recommends starting with one leadership challenge, defining a small measurable win, and clarifying the motivation behind the goal. ### Source excerpt In this article, I'll walk you through the exact process I've used with hundreds of engineers to build their soft skills. ## From Tech Master to Tech Lead: 3 mindset shifts you need DevFeed: [From Tech Master to Tech Lead: 3 mindset shifts you need]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-02-13T07:01:26Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [coding](), [leadership](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview This article explains how technical experts can transition into tech leadership by shifting their focus from solving technical problems themselves to empowering and developing their teams. It introduces three mindset shifts, beginning with moving from an individual-contributor mindset to a team focus. ### Source excerpt Become the tech lead your team needs by shifting how you think and work. ## Avoiding the "therapist" trap: Stop solving everyone's problems as a Tech Lead DevFeed: [Avoiding the "therapist" trap: Stop solving everyone's problems as a Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-01-28T08:00:47Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Development]() Tags: [article](), [leadership](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview This article explains why Tech Leads should not take responsibility for solving every team member's problems. It describes how over-involvement can cause overwhelm, burnout, damaged working relationships and reduced team independence, and argues for setting healthy boundaries and directing people to better-suited support. ### Source excerpt Why fixing everything isn't your job as a Tech Lead - and how to stop ## Building and leading a brand-new team DevFeed: [Building and leading a brand-new team]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2025-01-16T15:51:36Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Concurrent Programming]() Tags: [building](), [culture](), [hiring](), [team](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview This article examines the path to becoming a Tech Lead by building and leading a brand-new team. It describes the challenges of starting without an established team structure, including discovery, defining team culture and processes, helping members settle in, and hiring. It also explains the opportunity to shape the team's culture and technical direction from the beginning. ### Source excerpt Explore one of the pathways to becoming a Tech Lead: building and leading a brand-new team, with its unique challenges and opportunities. ## 3 main soft skills a Tech Lead needs to develop DevFeed: [3 main soft skills a Tech Lead needs to develop]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-12-18T15:01:56Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [engineering-leadership](), [Learning]() Tags: [article](), [developer](), [leadership](), [skills](), [tech-lead](), [tech-leadership]() ### AI overview This article argues that Tech Leads need soft skills in addition to technical expertise, focusing on active listening and examples involving conflict resolution, ownership, team growth, and tech debt. ### Source excerpt Become a great Tech Lead by focusing on these 3 main soft skills! ## Why your team needs you to have soft skills as a Tech Lead DevFeed: [Why your team needs you to have soft skills as a Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-12-12T07:01:22Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [growth](), [skills](), [team](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article argues that a Tech Lead needs soft skills in addition to technical expertise, including providing clear direction, supporting team growth, and becoming a leader the team can follow. ### Source excerpt What your team really needs from you as a Tech Lead isn't just technical expertise. They're looking for clear direction, opportunities for growth, and a leader they can follow. ## Why you need soft skills as a Tech Lead DevFeed: [Why you need soft skills as a Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-11-27T07:01:53Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Tech Debt](), [Parser]() Tags: [coaching](), [collaboration](), [delegation](), [leadership](), [mentoring](), [tech-debt](), [tech-lead](), [technical]() ### AI overview This opinion article argues that tech leads need soft skills in addition to technical expertise because many recurring technical problems are rooted in interpersonal issues. It discusses listening, relationship building, feedback, delegation, facilitation, conflict resolution, and mentoring or coaching. ### Source excerpt Most tech leads think they only need strong technical skills in order to be effective as tech leads. ## Taking over the Tech Lead role in another team DevFeed: [Taking over the Tech Lead role in another team]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-11-19T07:00:55Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [onboarding](), [team](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article examines taking over a Tech Lead role in another team, especially when the previous lead is leaving. It recommends starting the transition early when possible, prioritizing relationship-building when there is no overlap, and recognizing both the onboarding challenges and the opportunity to establish a leadership approach from the beginning. ### Source excerpt Diving into one of the most common pathways to the Tech Lead role. ## What exactly is a Tech Lead? DevFeed: [What exactly is a Tech Lead?]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-11-12T07:01:12Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Development](), [coding](), [Software]() Tags: [business](), [coding](), [development](), [people](), [software](), [team](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article examines different types of Tech Leads and argues that the role sits at the intersection of people, technology, and business. It describes technical, non-coding, and constantly adapting approaches, favoring a Tech Lead who shifts focus according to the team's needs while still coding alongside the team. ### Source excerpt Exploring types of Tech Leads and what they have in common. ## How to use your development budget in 2024 as a Tech Lead DevFeed: [How to use your development budget in 2024 as a Tech Lead]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-11-07T13:44:45Z Content type: tutorial Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Development](), [Documentation]() Tags: [career](), [conferences-events](), [cost](), [courses](), [development](), [how-to](), [skills](), [tech-lead](), [training]() ### AI overview A practical guide for Tech Leads on using a development budget. It explains how to request funding, present the training's value and cost, address its impact on work, follow up with a manager, and consider spending the budget on books, conferences, courses, or coaching. ### Source excerpt Don't leave money on the table! 19 ideas for spending your development budget: ## O'Reilly course: Soft Skills for Tech Leads DevFeed: [O'Reilly course: Soft Skills for Tech Leads]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-10-29T07:01:41Z Content type: article Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [course](), [skills](), [tech-lead](), [training]() ### AI overview An announcement for the O'Reilly course "Soft Skills for Tech Leads," which teaches seven essential soft skills for leading teams, managing conflicts, aligning stakeholders, and helping individuals grow. ### Source excerpt Gain the skills that will make you successful as a Tech Lead. ## Taking over the Tech Lead role in your current team DevFeed: [Taking over the Tech Lead role in your current team]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-10-24T06:01:40Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Support]() Tags: [communication](), [leadership](), [process](), [project](), [shadowing](), [team](), [teams](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview An account of transitioning into a Tech Lead role after the previous lead rolled off a project. The transition used a two-month plan involving shadowing, handover sessions, gradually taking over meetings and decisions, and assuming difficult stakeholder conversations. The author identifies the lack of clear communication to the team as the main thing they would change. ### Source excerpt Diving into one of the most common pathways to the Tech Lead role. ## My story of becoming a Tech Lead at 26 DevFeed: [My story of becoming a Tech Lead at 26]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-10-16T07:18:53Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead](), [Software]() Tags: [career](), [conferences](), [developer](), [journey](), [junior-developers](), [leadership](), [skills](), [speaking](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview A personal account of becoming a Tech Lead at age 26, describing a move from mid-level development through senior consulting and the deliberate development of leadership skills, mentoring, training, and responsibility. ### Source excerpt From Mid-level developer to Senior to Tech Lead in 2 years: my journey of rapid growth ## Level up as a Tech Lead Introduces a Paid Newsletter Plan DevFeed: [Level up as a Tech Lead Introduces a Paid Newsletter Plan]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-07-29T07:02:09Z Content type: release Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Tech Lead]() Tags: [article](), [subscription](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The Level up as a Tech Lead newsletter is introducing a paid plan with exclusive monthly articles, coaching-session opportunities, early access to resources and tools, and full archive access. The subscription costs EUR 5 per month or EUR 45 per year. ### Source excerpt Introducing a Paid Plan ## How to Build Career Security Through Networking and Relationships DevFeed: [How to Build Career Security Through Networking and Relationships]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-07-01T07:00:15Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Job](), [context]() Tags: [career](), [how-to](), [job](), [networking](), [relationships]() ### AI overview The article argues that career security in technology comes from building a strong professional network and maintaining intentional relationships. It recommends connecting beyond one's usual workplace circle, preparing for events, and keeping notes about professional contacts. ### Source excerpt Have you ever felt the ground of job security shift beneath your feet? You're not alone! Here's how to build your own safety net in tech. ## Practical Exercises for Building Self-Confidence and Career Awareness DevFeed: [Practical Exercises for Building Self-Confidence and Career Awareness]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-03-06T14:04:22Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Learning](), [Hackathon-Kit]() Tags: [career-growth](), [implement](), [performance](), [skills](), [tips]() ### AI overview This article offers practical exercises for building self-confidence, including identifying strengths and weaknesses, taking personality and work-style tests, taking responsibility for career growth, keeping a weekly brag list, and visualising accomplishments. ### Source excerpt Hands-on tips that you can implement today to boost your self-confidence 🙂 ## Advancing a Software Engineering Career Through People and Leadership Skills DevFeed: [Advancing a Software Engineering Career Through People and Leadership Skills]() Original publisher: [Read original article]() Author: Anemari Fiser Published: 2024-01-17T08:00:27Z Content type: opinion Language: en Sources: [Level up as a Tech Lead]() Topics: [Development](), [Software Engineering](), [engineering-culture](), [Tech Lead]() Tags: [career](), [collaboration](), [growth](), [leadership](), [skills](), [software-engineer](), [software-engineering](), [tech-lead]() ### AI overview The article argues that career advancement in software engineering depends on developing impact beyond coding. It emphasizes collaboration, vulnerability, people skills, and growing others as engineers become more senior. ### Source excerpt You need to focus on a different set of skills besides just coding to level up in your tech career. Many engineers never realize this and spend years spinning their wheels trying to get promoted.