139: Decoupling Services for Efficient Communication

Services decoupling at the communication level and leadership skills to improve engineering

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Off Topic: Unlocking Leadership Potential in Engineering

Leadership is a crucial aspect in any context. It requires courage to take action and address uncomfortable issues. Anyone can exhibit leadership in various forms. To enhance visibility within your team, share weekly notes of your work, create long-lasting documents, and engage in company forums. Focus on personal growth and development while ensuring that your work is clear and understandable to others.

To become a leader, develop expertise in your field, and establish yourself as an expert. Effective leadership entails understanding what motivates and drives people and addressing team issues. Listen to team members and provide non-blocking feedback to support their growth and development. The skills and behaviors we exhibit as engineers impact the decisions we make and the work we produce. Stay mindful of this and strive to be a positive role model for others.

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Unrelated: Inspiring Leadership

Leadership is about inspiring and motivating those around you. As a leader, examining your behaviors before expecting others to change is essential. Transformational leadership fosters high performance, effective communication, and collaboration toward organizational goals. Transformational leaders set the organizational tone and reinforce desired cultural norms. A good leader impacts a team's ability to deliver code, design systems, and apply Lean principles to their work.

Companies, departments, and teams all rely on the concept of a "leadership team." Managing complexity requires the involvement of many individuals, which is why leadership teams exist. An executive team often comprises individuals in various C-level roles. If you are seeking leadership opportunities, explore how to join or take part in a leadership team within your reach. Leadership as a collective noun. Leadership as an ability. 

Assuming a management role does not make someone a great leader. As management consultant Kathy Austin says, "Managers light a fire under people; leaders light a fire in people." 

Leadership skills are complex and need continuous development. They take time to build, and improvement is a never-ending process. You can cultivate leadership skills even before assuming a formal leadership position. There is no need to wait. Start honing your skills in advance, as they will make you more effective. Developing skills and gaining experience do not need permission. 

[^]: Accelerate: The Science of Lean Software and DevOps: Building and Scaling High-Performing Technology Organizations

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