What are the best strategies to move into leadership roles in tech?

The tech industry is an exciting, fast-moving world filled with opportunities for innovation and growth. Whether you’re a software developer, data analyst, or IT contractor, there comes a point where you might ask yourself, What’s next? For many, the natural answer is to move into leadership roles.

But making the leap from a technical role to leadership isn’t just about being the best at what you do—it requires a shift in mindset, skills, and approach. Whether you’re a permanent employee looking to climb the corporate ladder or a contractor considering team-lead projects, these strategies will help you navigate the path to leadership in tech.

1. Understand what leadership in tech entails

Leadership roles in tech aren’t just about managing people; they involve:

• Driving projects to success.

• Aligning technical goals with business strategies.

• Communicating effectively with technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Mentoring and inspiring your team.

Take time to reflect on why you want to lead. Are you passionate about empowering others? Do you want to influence larger business decisions? Understanding your "why" will shape your approach.

2. Develop leadership qualities early

Leadership is more than a title—it's about how you operate, even before you’re officially in charge. Start by:

• Taking initiative: Volunteer for projects where you can solve problems, guide others, or propose new ideas.

• Building trust: Deliver on your promises, communicate openly, and be a team player.

• Showing empathy: Understand your teammates’ challenges and support them where possible.

The best leaders are those who naturally inspire confidence and collaboration long before they’re given formal authority

3. Build soft skills alongside technical expertise

While technical excellence is essential in tech roles, leadership requires mastering soft skills:

• Communication: Learn how to explain complex ideas in simple terms. This skill is critical when working with executives or clients who may not have a technical background.

• Emotional intelligence: Understand how to manage your emotions and empathize with others. This helps with conflict resolution and team morale.

• Decision-making: Hone your ability to make well-informed decisions under pressure.

Invest in courses or workshops on leadership and communication. Online platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer excellent resources tailored for tech professionals.

4. Seek out leadership opportunities in your current role

Leadership opportunities don’t always come with a formal title. Start by finding ways to take on leadership responsibilities within your current role:

• Mentor junior team members: Sharing your expertise and guiding others shows that you’re capable of leading.

• Lead small projects: Volunteer to manage specific tasks or projects, even if it’s outside your job description.

• Take ownership: If you see an inefficiency or opportunity for improvement, step up and propose a solution.

These experiences allow you to demonstrate leadership qualities while building confidence in your abilities.

5. Learn the business side of tech

To be a successful leader, you need to understand how technical projects align with broader business goals. Focus on:

• Financial acumen: Learn about budgets, ROI, and how technical projects impact profitability.

• Strategic thinking: Understand how emerging technologies can solve business challenges.

• Stakeholder management: Learn how to communicate with executives, clients, and other departments.

Consider taking a course on business strategy or attending workshops that teach the intersection of tech and business.

6. Build your personal brand

Leadership roles often go to those who are visible and respected in their field. Building your personal brand can help position you as a go-to expert and future leader:

• Network actively: Attend tech meetups, webinars, and conferences to connect with industry peers and leaders.

• Share knowledge: Write articles, give talks, or contribute to open-source projects to showcase your expertise.

• Optimise your LinkedIn profile: Highlight leadership qualities, projects you’ve led, and testimonials from colleagues.

Building a strong professional presence ensures that when leadership opportunities arise, your name comes to mind.

7. Upskill for leadership roles

The tech landscape evolves quickly, and leadership roles often require a broader skill set. Consider:

• Technical skills: Stay current with the latest tools, programming languages, or methodologies relevant to your field.

• Management training: Enroll in courses on project management (e.g., PRINCE2, Agile) or leadership coaching.

• Certifications: Certifications like AWS Solutions Architect, ITIL, or PMP not only boost your technical credibility but also showcase your readiness for higher responsibilities.

Continuous learning shows your commitment to growth, a trait highly valued in leaders.

8. Understand different leadership pathways

Not all leadership roles in tech are the same. Choose a pathway that aligns with your interests and skills:

• Technical leadership: Roles like Lead Developer or Solutions Architect, where you oversee technical decisions and mentor others while staying hands-on.

• Managerial leadership: Roles like IT Manager or Project Manager, focusing on team management, resource allocation, and aligning with business goals.

• Strategic leadership: Roles like CTO or Head of IT, where you shape the company’s technology strategy and lead large teams.

Each pathway requires a different set of skills, so tailor your development accordingly.

9. Learn from current leaders

Seek mentorship from those already in leadership positions. They can provide invaluable insights, feedback, and guidance on navigating your career.

• Ask questions: Find out how they transitioned into leadership, what challenges they faced, and what skills they find most important.

• Observe: Pay attention to how they handle conflicts, make decisions, and motivate their teams.

• Request feedback: Ask for constructive feedback on your readiness for leadership and areas for improvement.

Many leaders are more than willing to share their knowledge if you show genuine interest.

10. Be open to contract or interim leadership roles

If you’re a contractor or freelancer, leadership opportunities may come in the form of interim roles, such as leading a team for a specific project. These roles allow you to:

• Gain hands-on leadership experience.

• Showcase your ability to deliver results in high-pressure environments.

• Build a track record that can open doors to permanent leadership roles.

Being a contractor doesn’t mean you can’t aim for leadership—it simply requires a slightly different approach.

11. Prepare for challenges

Leadership comes with its own set of challenges, including:

• Balancing team needs with business goals: Learning to manage diverse priorities.

• Managing difficult conversations: Addressing performance issues or conflicts diplomatically.

• Staying adaptable: Being open to change and continuous learning.

Understanding and preparing for these challenges will help you navigate the transition smoothly.

12. Take the leap when the opportunity comes

Finally, when a leadership opportunity arises, don’t hesitate to take it—even if it feels intimidating. Imposter syndrome is common when stepping into new roles, but remember:

• You’ve built the skills.

• You’ve demonstrated leadership qualities.

• You’re ready for the challenge.

Trust your abilities and know that every leader starts somewhere.

Moving into leadership roles in tech is about more than just climbing the career ladder—it’s about making an impact, driving innovation, and inspiring others. By combining technical expertise with strong leadership qualities, understanding the business side of tech, and seizing opportunities for growth, you can position yourself as a standout candidate for leadership.

Whether you’re a permanent employee eyeing a managerial role or a contractor stepping up to lead a team, the strategies outlined above will help you take your career to the next level. So start building your leadership journey today—you’ve got this!