Understanding Team Dynamics: 5 Signs You Need to Reflect
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Leading a team can evoke feelings of both fulfillment and frustration. In fact, a significant portion of the outcomes—both positive and negative—can be attributed to your leadership.
However, managing your own team presents its unique challenges. You're working with individuals, and human behavior can be unpredictable. Personal circumstances often intrude upon project timelines, and it's unrealistic to expect otherwise. Assuming you won't face challenges is akin to believing you can jump into a pool without getting wet.
When issues arise within the team, you as a leader essentially have two choices:
- Assign blame to the team members (not advisable).
- Accept accountability and acknowledge that you could have taken steps to avert the issue.
While it's impossible to foresee every potential problem, as a leader, it's essential to resist the urge to place blame on your team without first considering other perspectives. Here are five common expressions you might hear from your team, which might seem to indicate their shortcomings but are often reflections of your leadership.
1. "I Have No Idea When the Sprint Starts or Ends"
This is a critical concern to address.
Every member of an Agile team should be aware of their tasks and deadlines through the sprint backlog. If they lack clarity on the timeline, it could indicate a gap in your communication or management.
Some developers may focus solely on their current assignments, losing track of the sprint’s progress. As a leader, it’s your responsibility to monitor their workload and ensure they stay aligned with the sprint’s timelines. If you notice a task is taking longer than anticipated, it’s crucial to engage with the developer to identify the obstacles they face. Often, you can pinpoint issues they may overlook due to their proximity to the work.
2. "I Did Read the User Story—I Just Never Thought of Asking"
User stories should encapsulate all necessary details for completing a task during the sprint. However, in many cases, they end up with vague titles, leaving developers to fill in the gaps with their assumptions.
When that occurs, the responsibility falls back on you. A tech lead’s role extends beyond technical expertise; it includes ensuring that all aspects of the team’s workflow are functioning effectively. If user stories lack detail, it’s your duty to intervene and ensure they are adequately defined.
3. "I Think I Broke the Repo With My Last Push"
Hearing this can be alarming.
Git is a fundamental tool for developers, yet some may struggle with its complexities. It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming a developer for their lack of understanding. Instead, focus on providing clear guidance on using Git effectively within your team’s context. Create a straightforward manual that outlines the commands and procedures they need to follow, and be available to answer questions as they arise.
4. "You Never Told Me We Had a Production Push Today!"
Production pushes can bring significant stress, especially for smaller teams. As the lead, it's your responsibility to ensure that everyone is aware of and prepared for these critical moments. Whether it’s a small or large team, clear communication about production timelines is essential. Don't assume everyone is informed; actively check in with your team to confirm their availability and readiness.
5. "I’m Not Going to Finish on Time Because I’ve Been Helping Everyone With Their Tasks"
This situation highlights a common issue in team dynamics. While it’s admirable for team members to assist one another, it’s essential that you, as a lead, position yourself as the go-to resource for problem-solving rather than allowing others to take on this role. Ensure that your most knowledgeable team members aren’t overburdened with helping others at the expense of their own deadlines.
Conclusion
Effective leadership is challenging, especially when it comes to managing people. As a tech lead, it's crucial to recognize that many issues stem from your own actions or inactions. Stay attuned to your team’s needs and make it clear that your role is to support them. Respect their challenges, help them navigate obstacles, and you'll foster a productive and successful team environment.
Feel free to share your experiences where leadership missed the mark in taking responsibility.