I've been a sysadmin for 10 years now and truly love my job—especially troubleshooting and project work in a heavy MS environment, from on-prem to M365 and everything in between. I've been with my current company—a rapidly expanding military defense firm of about 500 employees—for six months. Our small IT department consists of three helpdesk and four backend staff, including me, with a network guy, a junior sysadmin, and a more experienced colleague. I jumped in at the deep end when I joined, and my manager has praised my speed and initiative in completing projects.
Recently, my manager mentioned wanting to try me out as a team lead once our department expands, which brings me to my dilemma. While I've never viewed myself as a leader, I'm starting to consider the possibility. However, I'm worried about how such a change might affect our team's dynamic, especially with my colleague who does similar work but has more years and experience. I fear this could lead to tension between us.
Does anyone have advice from similar experiences? Also, what are the best ways to prepare for this role if I choose to accept it?
5 Answers
After moving from a role with no leading experience to managing a team, I can say it's tough maintaining technical skills and the relationships you had before. Just make sure it aligns with your career goals, as you might miss the technical side of things more than you expect.
Couldn’t agree more! It's easy to lose touch with the technical world, so plan to balance both if you can.
I'd suggest focusing on being a facilitator rather than a traditional manager. You're there to support your team, so communicate openly with them and create an environment where they feel comfortable sharing their ideas. Starting off may be stressful, but leaning into the leadership style you'd want for yourself can help ease those worries!
Exactly! Being a friend and a resource to your team can make a big difference. Just be prepared for the occasional personal issues that might arise. Just remember—you're all in this together! Good luck!
For sure, but remember that managing a team also means dealing with the less pleasant aspects, like personnel issues. Just be prepared to navigate that because not everyone will be easy to manage.
Before jumping into the role, make sure to clarify what they mean by 'team lead.' Every organization defines it differently, and understanding the expectations will help you know if it's something you're truly interested in.
Right! I once was promoted without clear guidance and it was a nightmare. Always get written expectations!
Absolutely, without clear expectations, you'll find yourself in a tough spot. I've learned the hard way that it’s vital to know what your responsibilities will be before taking on a new role!
If you're excited about the opportunity, take it! Don’t stress too much about team dynamics—sometimes your presence can foster growth and collaboration. Good luck!
Exactly! Embrace the role, and adapt as necessary. You'll have the opportunity to help others grow, which is super rewarding.
Plus, your coworker might be more supportive than you think. Talk to them about it—open communication is key!
I'd say go for it! Just make sure to establish your duties and seek mentorship during the transition. Many have found happiness in leading while still contributing technically!
Definitely! Just ensure your concerns about the team dynamics are addressed upfront. You might find a supportive environment if you communicate openly.
True! But also be ready for the reality of potentially less technical work as you step into management.
Exactly! Transitioning to a lead position often means less hands-on tech work. Keep your skills sharp and find ways to stay involved where possible!