Career Development & Leadership Skill

Quick Start - 1-on-1 Conversation Guide

As a Tech Lead/Manager:

Opening:
"How are you doing this week?"

Career Development:
"What are your goals for the next 6 months?"
"What skills do you want to develop?"
"How can I support your growth?"

Feedback:
"You did well on X because Y"
"For next time, consider Z"

Closing:
"How can I help you succeed?"

Core Competencies

Leadership

• Vision setting
• Strategic thinking
• Decision-making
• Team motivation
• Conflict resolution
• Delegation

Communication

• Clear writing
• Public speaking
• Active listening
• Feedback delivery
• Storytelling

Management

• Hiring and recruitment
• Performance management
• Career development
• 1-on-1s
• Team building

Business Skills

• Financial literacy
• Metrics and data
• Stakeholder management
• Negotiation
• Networking

Career Progression

IC Track: Engineer → Senior → Staff → Principal Management Track: Engineer → Manager → Director → VP Specialist Track: Engineer → Expert → Distinguished

Best Practices

1. Communication - Clear and frequent
2. Mentoring - Invest in people
3. Continuous Learning - Stay current
4. Documentation - Clear decision records
5. Feedback - Regular and actionable
6. Balance - Work-life equilibrium
7. Growth Mindset - Embrace learning
8. Accountability - Own decisions

Resources

• The Manager's Path - Camille Fournier
• Radical Candor - Kim Scott
• First Round Review