It can be hard to define what makes a “good” team lead, but you can always strive to be a better one. Since joining Colorkrew, I’ve taken on the role of Team Lead for our Workflow product, managing the team to ensure our work progresses smoothly and that we create the best products for our customers.

In this post, I want to discuss some of the ways I’ve grown as a team lead at Colorkrew.

The process is the rule

A process is a clearly defined chain of steps that the team must follow. It should be created and agreed upon collectively, with input from the entire team. Having a process in place is crucial because it ensures that everyone understands how to approach tasks, without unnecessary assumptions. Work is consistently organized, and the same steps are followed every time.

At times, the process can feel like “unnecessary paperwork” that slows down the workflow. However, it’s important for teams to spend time during retrospectives reflecting on existing processes and identifying areas for improvement.

Keep everyone up to date - Surprises aren’t fun

Expectations should be set early. Your team should be aware of your role and capabilities, while also knowing what is expected of them. Misalignment can lead to problems and can result in significant time spent on tasks that weren’t part of the original plan.

Be clear about goals and outcomes so everyone is aligned, understands what they’re working toward, and feels comfortable raising any questions that come up.

Establish the context

Not everyone will have the same level of knowledge as you. In large projects, team members may only be familiar with specific aspects. During meetings, ensure that everyone is on the same page and has the same understanding. Avoid leaving assumptions for people to make on their own, and make sure everyone knows the actions that need to be taken.

Know your audience - Think about what you say

As a team lead, you’ll work with people at different levels of expertise. Some discussions may require in-depth technical conversations, while others may focus more on overarching goals. It’s important to adjust your communication style based on your audience.

Provide only the necessary information that’s relevant to their role. Overloading someone with unnecessary details can create confusion and make it harder for them to focus on the key points of the discussion.

Accept compromise

It’s important to recognize that you can’t always have everything you want. In a large team, people often have differing opinions on how things should be done, and managing priorities can be challenging as you balance the needs of different stakeholders with both short-term and long-term goals. In such situations, it’s best to strive for compromise—finding a solution that everyone can agree on.

A good team lead understands the context, risks, costs, and trade-offs involved, and knows when it’s worth pursuing conflicting viewpoints or when compromising is the most practical course of action.

There’s no such thing as a perfect environment or a perfect product, but a team lead strives to create the best possible outcome given the circumstances.

Care about your team

A team is made up of many individual parts, and those parts should be valued and cared for. Sometimes, team members may feel like they are just cogs in a machine and can become demotivated. As a team lead and as a human being, you should ensure your team members feel appreciated for their work, and not treated as a tool.

Celebrate your wins, no matter how small, and recognize accomplishments publicly. Giving recognition boosts morale and shows the company the value of your team’s work.

Hold regular retrospectives to check in on the team’s emotional state and understand any issues they may be facing. Speak with your team members regularly to address concerns and make sure they feel supported.

Growing your team

Always strive to help your team members grow their skill sets. Provide them with the right challenges, such as taking on more responsibility, so they can learn new things and enjoy the process. This not only supports their personal development but also strengthens the capabilities of the team and improves the quality of the products.

Becoming a team lead in colorew

At Colorkrew, the engineering team operates in an open environment. Each team is empowered to organize itself, define its own processes, and manage its own workflow. While there are leaders who provide direction for the engineering platform, they also offer support when necessary.

I was given the opportunity to lead a team at Colorkrew, and I’ve found myself actively reviewing my working habits, gathering feedback from team members, and striving to improve our workflow. It’s been an ongoing learning experience, and I’m excited to continue growing in my role.

We are hiring ▶ https://recruit.colorkrew.com/en/recruit/