Strategic vs tactical leadership

How hands-on do you need to get to be a good technical leader?

I learned that there is a fine line between delving too deeply into the details and not delving deep enough.

When I tried just to be the one who drives the vision and direction without actually going deep with technology or writing any code, that failed spectacularly.

When I went too deep and tried to find answers myself, the team needed me to do the strategic work, and that approach failed as well.

Now, I try to strike a balance.

At the start, when the team is smaller, I am more hands-on and try to learn about the tech I’ll be working on quickly.

I make experiments, read documentation, watch videos, and interview experts.

And I must admit, I enjoy the early days of a project, where there’s a lot to figure out and endless possibilities.

I like to find people with the same passion for research and experimentation.

Later, when there is an established product and team, stepping away from the minute details becomes more important and focus on the big picture.

But even that comes in seasons.

I have to repeatedly ask myself ?

Sometimes, it’s solving a technical problem. Other times, it’s making a decision. It could be hiring a crucial position.

The key is figuring out what opportunities are distractions and what really moves the needle.

And often, what moves the needle is not fun, and that makes it hard.

Yours,

Taj