Tech leadership positions are in high demand. Such roles can do wonders for your salary. But making the transition from a team player to a team leader is often easier said than done.
Your current role may require technical expertise, such as a senior software developer role. But a managerial role calls for more diverse skills. You can’t rely on your technical knowledge alone. To succeed in a tech leadership role, you must be competent across technical, business and communication skills.
A couple of ways to build up your experience to a high level could include:
But where should you start and what skills should you target? Here are some areas to consider to help you apply for your first senior management job in tech. With preparation you can stand out during the interview process.
Many businesses are adopting flat organisational structures. If you work in tech, this approach is something you’re probably familiar with. According to McKinsey, this way of working can unlock “massive value” for businesses. This added value stems from increased agility and boosts to decision-making capabilities.
But when you switch from working in a flat structure to managing in one, staff motivation is a major factor to consider.
To keep staff motivated whilst maintaining the benefits of a flat organisational structure is a difficult balancing act. It’s one only the best managers can handle. You’ll need to understand how to keep different employees motivated. You can achieve this by:
Technology leaders are one part of the wider organisational structure – whether that’s a flat or hierarchical one. Managers need to work with other teams and departments, while managing their own team. And balancing these needs successfully requires you to understand the inner workings of your organisation, not just its technical aspects.
So, you may want to look beyond your individual contribution to your organisation and think a little bigger. Good managers will ask themselves:
An individual tech professional tends to focus on their personal responsibilities and goals. Whilst a manager concentrates on the health of the wider business.
Good management is one such skill that needs continuous learning and development. You must understand how to successfully transition from focusing on your own technical work to managing a team of people.
When he started his role as CEO at Shopify, Tobias Lütke said that he was “not good”. He joked that, “the wonderful thing about computers is when you tell them what to do, they’ll keep doing it and they’ll do it until you tell them to stop. It turns out humans are not like that.”
Investing in your own skills will help you to lead by example, whilst also making you a better tech leader.
People management may not be easy, but it is a skill you can learn. Pursue helpful courses in relevant areas such as:
Some companies provide financial support for staff who want to focus on their professional development. But if your organisation doesn’t do this, write a business case and present it to your manager.
When you start a role as a senior manager, it can help to network with fellow senior managers. Try introducing yourself to different teams and making connections with the wider business. This will help you to gain visibility in the organisation and build confidence in your interpersonal skills. Plus, you’ll also gain valuable insights into industry trends and how the business operates.
Also, see if your organisation offers a mentorship programme that pairs new managers with established executives. This is a brilliant way to get one-to-one support and candid advice from someone with management experience. What’s more, this can help you to gain exposure from an influential person at your organisation.
‘How Did You Get That Job?’ is the specialist technology careers podcast from Hays which explores the secrets of success through insightful conversations with leaders in tech that are at the top of their game.
Listen for invaluable advice on how to map out your leadership journey and make it a reality.
