Navigating the dual demands of technical expertise and leadership prowess is a hallmark challenge for technology leaders. From embracing lifelong learning to creating ‘Tech and Talk’ sessions, we’ve gathered eight actionable strategies from top CTOs and CEOs. Discover how these industry veterans balance their technical expertise with leadership development. When it comes to balancing technical expertise and leadership skills, here are eight tips for technology leaders:
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- Embrace Lifelong Learning
- Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Allocate Time for Skills
- Implement Learning Sprints
- Combine Mentorship with Reverse Mentorship
- Stay Hands-On with Leadership
- Adopt a Learning by Teaching Approach
- Create Tech and Talk Sessions
Embrace Lifelong Learning
I balance technical expertise and leadership by embracing lifelong learning as a core principle. I dedicate time each week to stay updated on advancements in AI, cybersecurity, robotics, and space exploration, while also prioritizing leadership development through books, workshops, and mentorship. Additionally, I foster a collaborative environment where my team members are empowered to grow and contribute their unique expertise, creating a powerful synergy that drives innovation and success.
Sylvester Kaczmarek, Chief Technology Officer, OrbiSky Systems
Foster Cross-Functional Collaboration
One approach I have found effective is cross-functional collaboration. By working closely with different departments, such as marketing, sales, and operations, I gain a well-rounded perspective on how technology impacts various aspects of the business.
This collaboration not only refines my leadership abilities by exposing me to diverse challenges and strategic thinking but also ensures that my technical decisions are aligned with the company’s broader goals. This holistic approach enables me to maintain my technical expertise while enhancing my leadership skills, ultimately driving the company toward success.
Amit Doshi, Founder & CEO, MyTurn
Allocate Time for Skills
Dedicating specific times for deep technical work and separate times for leadership activities is essential. For example, I allocate mornings for technical learning and coding—that’s how I stay sharp and up-to-date with the latest technologies. Afternoons are reserved for meetings, mentoring, and strategic planning, which allows me to focus on developing my team and driving our projects forward.
Regularly attending workshops and conferences also plays a crucial role in maintaining technical expertise while absorbing new leadership theories and practices. I encourage cross-training within my team, fostering an environment where technical and leadership skills are shared and developed collectively. If you want to grow both as a leader and as an engineer, there’s only one way: invest your time in improving both.
Viacheslav Petrenko, Chief Technology Officer, LITSLINK
Implement Learning Sprints
Balancing technical expertise and leadership skills as a technology leader requires a deliberate and strategic approach. One effective method I’ve found is the concept of ‘learning sprints.’ This involves dedicating specific periods to deep dive into emerging technologies, followed by focused time on leadership development activities. This cyclical approach ensures that neither aspect is neglected and both skills are continually honed.
For instance, I allocate the first two weeks of each quarter to immerse myself in the latest advancements in our field, attending workshops, webinars, and experimenting with new tools. Following this technical deep dive, I shift my focus to leadership development for the next two weeks, engaging in activities like mentoring sessions, leadership training programs, and reading leadership literature. This structured alternation not only keeps my technical skills sharp but also enhances my ability to lead and inspire my team effectively. This approach has been instrumental in maintaining a balance, ensuring that I grow as a technologist and a leader, capable of steering our organization towards sustained success.
Shehar Yar, CEO, Software House
Combine Mentorship with Reverse Mentorship
Engaging in both mentorship and reverse mentorship has been effective for me. I mentor junior team members, sharing my technical knowledge and leadership experiences. This not only reinforces my expertise but also develops my coaching skills.
Simultaneously, I seek reverse mentorship from younger colleagues who bring fresh perspectives and knowledge of emerging technologies. This mutual exchange of knowledge helps me maintain a balance between technical proficiency and leadership growth.
Phil Strazzulla, Founder, SelectSoftware Reviews
Stay Hands-On with Leadership
This one is a bit easier for me to answer because I originally came from a highly technical background, so I have very much had to develop leadership skills to match technical ones when I opened my own business. What worked for me is honestly to just stay hands-on. Tech talent respects leadership that has tech expertise, so getting in the weeds is a good way to both build that respect and to keep my technical skills sharp enough to actually be helpful. It is also a way of leading from the front, in a way, that also works quite well in a business of this size and complexity. Roll up your sleeves and make yourself useful as a leader, but know when to pull back; that would be my advice.
Dragos Badea, CEO, Yarooms
Adopt a Learning by Teaching Approach
Staying technically sharp while honing leadership skills can seem like juggling two distinct roles. One effective method is to adopt a “learning by teaching” mindset. Regularly engage with your team, not just to lead but to educate and share knowledge. When you explain complex concepts to others, you reinforce your own understanding and stay up-to-date on technical advancements.
Moreover, this approach builds trust and opens up lines of communication. You’re not just the boss; you’re a mentor. This dual role helps in spotting gaps in your team’s knowledge and skills, which you can help fill through targeted learning sessions. By consistently integrating teaching moments into your leadership style, you stay grounded in the technical while elevating your team’s performance.
Mary Tung, Founder & CEO, Lido.app
Create Tech and Talk Sessions
Balancing technical expertise and leadership skills has been a cornerstone of my career as a technology leader. Early on, I faced a situation that shaped my approach. I was leading a project with tight deadlines and high stakes. My technical skills were sharp, but I struggled to motivate and guide my team effectively.
One approach that proved transformative was dedicating time for both personal technical growth and team development. Every Friday, I set aside an hour for “Tech and Talk” sessions. This wasn’t just a regular meeting, but a time where we shared recent tech discoveries and discussed leadership challenges. It became a platform for mutual learning and growth.
One memorable session was when we explored a new coding framework together. Not only did we deepen our technical understanding, but I also used this opportunity to delegate leadership roles within the group. Watching my team members step up and lead parts of the discussion was incredibly rewarding and built their confidence.
What made this approach effective was the blend of continuous learning and practical leadership experience. By making technical growth a shared journey, I fostered a culture of collaboration and empowerment. This balance allowed me to stay current with industry advancements while nurturing my leadership capabilities.
Integrating technical learning with leadership practice helped me grow as a well-rounded technology leader. It’s about creating opportunities for yourself and your team to excel in both areas simultaneously. This dual focus has been essential in navigating the dynamic world of technology leadership.
Shir Amram, COO, Montana Capital
