- Engineering Leadership Blueprint
- Posts
- The Nuance of Software Leadership - Issue #3
The Nuance of Software Leadership - Issue #3
Trade-offs, Find your replacement, Own Mistakes and more.
Thomas Underwood
May 14, 2025
In partnership with
Engineering Leadership Blueprint - Newsletter
Overview
Topic: Trade-Offs That Define Tech Leadership: How to Make Smart Decisions
Topic: Training Your Replacement? Why That’s Your Path to Leadership Growth
Topic: Own Your Leadership Flops: Turn Mistakes into Tech Team Wins
Scenario: How I Tackle Tough Trade-Offs: A Tech Leader’s Playbook
Topic of the Week: Become Irreplaceable: Stand Out as a Developer-Turned-Leader
Topic: Trade-Offs That Define Tech Leadership: How to Make Smart Decisions.
Early in my career, I didn’t understand the art of software engineering leadership. Now, a decade later, it’s my daily focus.
Great tech leaders balance team needs, tech choices, and company goals. How? They detach to see the big picture—otherwise, you’re stuck in the code.
Take this scenario: An engineer pitches a new XYZ library. Instead of diving in, I ask:
How does it speed up our sprint goals?
Does it fit our client’s roadmap?
If they say, “I don’t know,” I mentor: “Let’s align it with our team priorities and company goals.” If it fits, we explore it.
Unlike bosses who chase trends, detaching helps me make trade-offs that create wins for my team and company.
Reply