A Guide For The New Lead — Part 1

From Tech to Lead In 5 Minutes

Starting a new role is not always easy, especially for the new lead. The uncertainties of the future, not knowing what is going to happen and if you’ll be able to deliver is unbearable. So you decide to search the web and read about how to start on the right side.

First, let me start by stating the obvious — You are awesome! This opportunity is great! Doing something new, as challenging as it is, is the best thing you can ask for. This is a whole new field to experiment, try new things, learn and get better.

Before You Start

The most important thing is to be in the right state of mind. You don’t have to do anything before you start, just relax and start on the right side. You know how to do the job, otherwise, you wouldn’t be here.

Relax. Breath.

The advice of many veteran managers I spoke with is to know what you are going to do on your first day. Search and read articles about managing, ask for advice and think about it very hard. I agree, it is beneficial, but as I don’t recap mathematical theories before I implement a new feature I don’t want to read all the internet about managing. I’ve already read about it many times before.

Communication

People don’t like the uncertainty, reduce uncertainties no matter what. We prefer to take bad choices over staying with uncertainty. we prefer to know what’s coming even if it’s a bad choice than not be able to predict it.

Uncertainty is not an indication of poor leadership; it underscores the need for leadership.

For example, if you have the luxury of replacing an existing lead in his role and you want to take your first weeks to learn the technicals and the new environment. It is perfectly fine, that way you can manage your team better and it will be beneficial for you, your team and your manager. All you need to do is to communicate it to the team and make sure that they can ask you for anything, but the focus is on getting in.

Communicate to the team every decision you are making, but let them also be decision makers. From the managing strategy to task assignments, it is important that the team will have a say which makes them take responsibility and increase their belongingness need.

Time Management

Actively defragment your calendar, don’t leave your calendar with short free timeslots, they are a waste of time because you don’t have the time to get in focus. Cancel or move meetings to make a block of free time. You might have to say no here, and you might not be able to move, but at least make an effort.

Schedule time to get in the zone and don’t let anyone disturb you but for urgent matters. More importantly, communicate this to your surrounding, team, and peers, and make sure everyone knows what are you doing and why it’s important and beneficial for you and for them. That way you are giving your team the opportunity to deal with problems themselves.