For junior staff looking to move into leadership, what are some signals that an organization is a good fit for them?
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CTO in Media4 months ago
When coaching junior developers, I encourage them to seek out areas of opportunity. Regardless of the company's size, there are always opportunities to be found. In larger organizations, there might be a larger pool of opportunities, but also more competition. In smaller organizations, you might find that you're required to take on a broader range of tasks. Look for chances to own something, to become a trusted delegate for your manager. Don't invent work, but identify something you think could be improved and take ownership of it. Ask your manager for help, but also ask to own something. These experiences will provide you with answers to the "tell me about a time when..." interview questions later on.VP of Engineering4 months ago
I look for individuals who are not just doing their job but taking initiative. How do they participate in meetings? Are they considering how the business problem gets developed? Do they care about the business problem we're trying to solve? If they start showing these kinds of interests, or if they express opinions on these matters, that's a signal to me that this person could be groomed for a leadership role. I prefer to promote junior developers into leadership roles rather than hiring from outside.VP of Engineering4 months ago
From my perspective, it's really about the individual's appetite to learn what's happening outside of their current team. They should be continuously looking out to learn more and understand where the opportunities are. These individuals often raise their hand for new opportunities and ask questions, even if it's not directly related to their current role. They have a growth mindset. Additionally, their personal passion and commitment to the company are important. They should be considering whether they want to stay with the company for the long term, and they should be open to learning more and trying out other things. These are the signals that leaders can look for, and these are the people who will help the organization succeed.CTO in Software4 months ago
I would suggest considering how your potential manager and their manager prioritize personal and professional development. Leadership can be more satisfying in a company where this is encouraged and emphasized, and where mid-level leaders are empowered to make decisions. If this isn't the case, it can lead to a frustrating experience.