Why a Tech Lead Should Stay Hands-On: Building Trust and Leading by Example

In the rapidly evolving tech industry, the role of a Tech Lead is crucial to the success of any development team. As leaders, these individuals are responsible for guiding technical direction, making key decisions, and ensuring that the team is aligned with the company’s goals. However, one of the most important — and often overlooked — aspects of this role is the need to stay hands-on. When a Tech Lead remains actively involved in the technical work, it fosters trust, improves team cohesion, and sets the tone for a collaborative and high-performing environment. In this post, we’ll explore why staying hands-on is essential for a Tech Lead and how it can be effectively done through practices like code reviews, pair programming, and taking on low-priority tasks.

The Importance of Staying Hands-On as a Tech Lead

As a Tech Lead, your primary responsibilities may include overseeing the technical strategy, managing the development team, and interfacing with other departments to align technical goals with business objectives. With such responsibilities, it can be easy to become detached from the day-to-day coding and development work. However, staying hands-on in the technical aspects of the project is vital for several reasons:

1. Building Trust and Credibility

• When developers see their Tech Lead actively involved in coding, reviewing code, and solving technical problems, it builds trust and credibility. Developers are more likely to respect and follow the guidance of a leader who understands the challenges they face and is capable of contributing directly to the project’s success.

2. Improving Team Morale

• A hands-on leader sets a positive example for the team. It shows that you’re not just delegating tasks but are willing to roll up your sleeves and work alongside your team members. This can significantly boost morale and foster a sense of camaraderie within the team.

3. Enhancing Communication and Collaboration

• By staying involved in the technical work, you create more opportunities for communication and collaboration with your developers. This helps to break down barriers, ensures that everyone is on the same page, and facilitates the sharing of knowledge and ideas.

4. Staying Updated with Technology

• The tech industry moves quickly, and new tools, languages, and frameworks are constantly emerging. By remaining hands-on, you keep your technical skills sharp and stay updated with the latest developments, which is essential for making informed decisions and guiding your team effectively.

How to Stay Hands-On as a Tech Lead

While staying hands-on is important, it’s also essential to balance this with your other responsibilities. As a Tech Lead, you may not have the time to code as much as your developers, but there are several ways you can remain involved and make a meaningful contribution to the technical work.

1. Code Reviews

One of the most effective ways to stay hands-on is by conducting regular code reviews. Code reviews are an integral part of the development process, and as a Tech Lead, participating in them allows you to:

• Ensure Code Quality: By reviewing code, you can ensure that it meets the company’s standards for quality, performance, and security. This helps maintain a high level of consistency across the codebase.
• Provide Feedback and Mentorship: Code reviews are an excellent opportunity to provide constructive feedback to developers, helping them improve their coding skills and understanding of best practices. This also positions you as a mentor, which is crucial for building strong relationships with your team.
• Stay Connected with the Codebase: Regularly reviewing code keeps you connected to the codebase, giving you insight into the current state of the project, the challenges your team is facing, and the overall technical direction.

To make the most of code reviews, it’s important to approach them with a collaborative mindset. Focus on providing value, not just pointing out errors. Encourage open discussions and be receptive to feedback from your team members as well.

2. Pair Programming

Another way to stay hands-on is by engaging in pair programming sessions with your developers. Pair programming involves two developers working together on the same code, with one writing the code (the “driver”) and the other reviewing each line as it’s written (the “navigator”). As a Tech Lead, participating in pair programming can offer several benefits:

• Real-Time Collaboration: Pair programming allows you to collaborate in real-time with your developers, offering immediate feedback and guidance. This can lead to higher-quality code and more efficient problem-solving.
• Knowledge Sharing: It’s an excellent way to share your knowledge and expertise with less experienced developers. Conversely, it also gives you the chance to learn from your team, as they might bring fresh perspectives or familiarity with newer technologies.
• Building Stronger Relationships: Working closely with your developers on a coding task helps build stronger relationships, creating a more cohesive and trusting team environment.

To incorporate pair programming effectively, schedule regular sessions with different team members. This not only helps you stay hands-on but also ensures that you’re connecting with various members of your team.

3. Taking on Low-Priority Tasks

While your team should focus on high-impact tasks that drive the project forward, taking on low-priority tasks yourself can be a great way to stay involved without disrupting the workflow. These tasks might include:

• Refactoring Legacy Code: Improving older code to meet current standards without changing its functionality. This is often a low-priority task that doesn’t get immediate attention but can have long-term benefits for the project.
• Improving Documentation: Good documentation is crucial for any project, and it’s an area where you can contribute meaningfully. By improving or expanding the project’s documentation, you help ensure that the team and any future developers have the resources they need to work effectively.
• Building Internal Tools: Developing small internal tools or scripts that help automate repetitive tasks or improve the team’s workflow. These might not be high on the priority list but can significantly enhance productivity.

Taking on these tasks allows you to stay connected to the technical work while also freeing up your developers to focus on more critical issues. It also shows that you’re willing to do the “dirty work,” which can earn you even more respect from your team.

The Impact of a Hands-On Tech Lead

When a Tech Lead remains hands-on, it has a positive ripple effect throughout the team and the organization as a whole. Here’s how:

1. Increased Team Confidence

• When developers know they can rely on their leader for technical guidance and support, it boosts their confidence. They’re more likely to take risks, experiment with new ideas, and push the boundaries of what’s possible, knowing they have a strong safety net.

2. Better Decision-Making

• Staying hands-on provides you with a deeper understanding of the technical challenges and opportunities your team faces. This firsthand knowledge allows you to make more informed and strategic decisions that align with the team’s capabilities and the project’s goals.

3. Stronger Team Cohesion

• A hands-on leader fosters a sense of unity within the team. By actively participating in the work, you demonstrate that everyone’s contributions are valued and that you’re all working toward a common goal. This strengthens the team’s bond and creates a more collaborative and supportive work environment.

4. Continuous Learning

• As a Tech Lead, your hands-on involvement keeps you in a constant state of learning. This not only benefits your own professional development but also ensures that your team is always at the cutting edge of technology and best practices.

Conclusion: Leading by Example

Staying hands-on as a Tech Lead is not just about maintaining your technical skills — it’s about leading by example. By engaging in code reviews, participating in pair programming, and taking on low-priority tasks, you show your team that you’re committed to the project’s success and that you’re an integral part of the team.

Developers need to see their leaders as more than just decision-makers; they need to see them as collaborators, mentors, and allies. By staying hands-on, you build trust, foster collaboration, and ensure that your team knows they can rely on you, both in times of success and challenge.

In today’s fast-paced tech environment, the most effective leaders are those who remain actively involved in the work, guiding their teams with both strategic vision and practical expertise. By doing so, you not only enhance your own leadership but also empower your team to reach new heights of productivity and innovation.