Technical teams play a crucial role in many companies, but managing them can present distinct challenges. Thankfully, there are proven strategies that help address these challenges-even if you’re not a technical expert or your team works across different locations.
Leading technical teams
There are several techniques managers can apply to help tech teams thrive and deliver excellent results.
Equip your team for success
Ensure your team has access to:
- Essential tools and systems, which may require tech upgrades
- Insight into company objectives and their role in achieving them
- Team members with the right skills and hands-on expertise
- Training opportunities and a development budget
Support healthy team dynamics
Nurture collaboration and strong interpersonal relationships by:
- Getting to know each individual and their motivations
- Fostering open dialogue between team members
- Being accessible and approachable
- Checking in regularly with the team
- Keeping communication channels active and open
Cultivate a positive work environment
Build a culture where trust, recognition, and support are the norm. Achieve this by:
- Clearly outlining expectations, timelines, and constraints
- Providing all needed resources and context
- Allowing freedom in problem-solving approaches
- Avoiding micromanagement while staying supportive
Empower through delegation
Share leadership tasks and offer growth opportunities. For instance:
- Encourage team members to take on greater responsibility
- Ask about their development interests
- Offer constructive feedback and learning pathways
Recognize contributions
Appreciating your team’s work can range from simple praise to financial rewards. Examples include:
- Sending thank-you emails to individuals or groups
- Sharing snacks or small perks
- Offering performance bonuses
Leading when you’re not a technical expert
It can feel daunting to lead a team in a field you’re not trained in-but some smart tactics can help build trust and lead effectively.
Communicate openly
Make communication a two-way process. Listen closely, ask clarifying questions, and help your team learn to communicate with nontechnical stakeholders.
Educate yourself
Invest time in understanding your team’s day-to-day work and key technical areas-through reading, observing, or even online intro courses.
Partner with experts
Collaborate with knowledgeable team members who can explain technical matters and guide you in making informed decisions with business impact in mind.
Managing remote or global tech teams
Leading a team across locations and cultures adds complexity-but with a few best practices, you can foster alignment and teamwork across borders.
| Best practice | Description |
|---|---|
| Establish team rhythm | Host regular meetings and create virtual spaces for team collaboration. |
| Align work across time zones | Keep teams in sync by overlapping schedules and aligning deliverables. |
| Encourage connection | Promote personal connections through team chats, video calls, and virtual celebrations. Consider organizing occasional in-person meetings where feasible. |
| Standardize operations | Use common platforms, templates, and protocols to avoid confusion or missed steps. |
| Communicate with clarity | Use clear, global English; avoid idioms and slang; write in short, structured formats; clarify expectations and deadlines; and use multiple channels for urgent messages. Always confirm verbal communication in writing and ask for feedback to ensure understanding. |
