Being The Example
Leadership is often seen as a quality that is earned and not given. Leaders are defined not only by their ability to make decisions, but also knowing when to delegate in a situation. Being able to listen to your team and give opinions and direction when the time is right.
Controlling Your Energy
Your energy in a situation is the catalyst for how you flow with your team. A lot of leaders are driven individuals with exuberant amounts of energy. When directed in a positive manner this can be the kind of contagious energy that drives a team to success, but if left unchecked could spiral into anxiety during a time of crisis. Balanced energy is focused on your team. Creating effective goals and remaining calm in times of tension.
Attract The Right People
This also applies to your network of people. Cultivating relationships with people in your industry while understanding what motivates them. There’s always something to learn from the relationships you build. A great characteristic of a leader is someone who consistently learns, and a lot of that growth comes from what you build with your relationships.
“You cannot push anyone up the ladder unless he is willing to climb.”– Andrew Carnegie.
Building The Right Network
Keep your network strong. Attracting the right people with similar goals, values, and interests. Creating accountability and trust within your circle of influence. The shared ideas, information, and benefit of having a trustworthy and successful network are absolutely worth the invested time. The tech industry is full of influential minds with a wealth of experience, find the ones that you connect with and learn from them.
Hire Well
Hiring is much more than finding a person to check boxes off your list. Hiring is about building a team you trust and one with whom you can seek feedback. Whether you’re starting on your journey into leadership, or building an A-list team, find professionals to learn and grow with.
Your Partnership Ecosystem
You can’t get far without partners in any industry. Building on the relationships you form to create strong and long lasting partnerships. An estimated 40% of partnerships and hiring in tech is done on recommendations in-network. Successful partnerships can lead to better negotiations, quality staff recommendations, and most importantly consistent work. Tech moves fast and things can quickly become outdated, so it’s important to keep your partnerships strong.
Invest In Your Team
Part of being a leader is knowing when to delegate and letting go. One of the most difficult things for any leader is to trust others with important tasks, but it’s essential to invest in your team. By doing this you are not only building their confidence but also showing that you trust their abilities.
Don’t underestimate the importance of company culture. CEO’s and other tech leaders build their organizations from the ground up, so it’s crucial that they set the tone for the type of environment they want to foster. A great company culture will attract the best and brightest employees, help with retention, and inspire innovation. Tech leaders should focus on creating a culture of collaboration, respect, and diversity.
Stay Savvy
The tech industry is ever-changing, and as a leader, it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. This means being knowledgeable about the latest trends, products, services, and tools in your industry. It also means keeping up with what your competition is doing. Leaders who don’t stay informed can quickly become obsolete.
Creating A Learning Culture
A learning culture is one where employees feel safe to experiment, take risks, and make mistakes. It’s a culture that values growth and development. As a leader, you need to create an environment where your team can learn from their mistakes and become better for it. This means having open communication, setting clear expectations, and providing adequate resources.
The Bottom Line
Technology leaders are defined by their ability to effectively transform technology knowledge into business solutions. They play a vital role in future-proofing the organization, bolstering cybersecurity protection, leading digital transformation, and increasing operational efficiency. But most importantly, they are effective communicators who attract the right people, invest in their team, and create a learning culture.
Finding The Momentum
The defining factors of a successful leader aren’t always cut and dry. Building the momentum of a business is a challenge that many can attempt, but where few really succeed. A leader is someone who can determine the direction of a project, team, and eventually an entire company.
Understanding When And Where To Innovate
The tech industry is changing every day, and a big part of being a leader is knowing when your company needs to change with it. This comes back to always learning and being aware of the latest trends in your industry. A good way to stay ahead of the curve is by attending conferences, reading blogs, and listening to podcasts related to your field.
There’s no one answer or silver bullet for becoming a great tech leader. With a lot of dynamic and moving parts that circle innovation. It’s not just about technology or new ideas, but also the ability to lead people through change. Understanding when your team is ready for change, and being able to present it in a way that gets them on board. There will always be some level of resistance to change, but a great leader knows how to manage that.
Looking For The Next Generation
The culture of a tech leader is always looking for the next generation of talent to bring new perspectives and ideas to the table. A big part of being a leader is being able to identify that talent and help them grow. This could be through mentorship, training, or even just creating an environment where creativity and innovation can thrive.
If you’re looking to build a team of leaders, it’s important to start with the right foundation. Hiring individuals with the potential to be great leaders, and then giving them the tools they need to succeed. It’s also important to create an environment where everyone can thrive. This means having open communication, setting clear goals, and providing support when needed.
Building a culture of leadership takes time, but it’s essential for any company that wants to stay ahead of the curve. By investing in the next generation of leaders, you’re ensuring that your company will be able to adapt and change with the times.