When Is the Right Time to Step Into Leadership?

Hello Fellows!

Too many engineers ask the wrong question:
"How can I become a leader?"

The better question is:
"Am I ready to carry the weight of a leadership role?"

Let me share something upfront: leadership is not a badge you earn by tenure. It’s a responsibility you grow into, slowly, intentionally, and with guidance.

Start Before the Title

You don’t need a title to lead. In fact, the best leaders begin by cultivating four traits long before they’re officially in charge:

1. Credibility – Do people trust your decisions because they’re grounded and consistent?

2. Being a Role Model – Do you hold yourself to the same standards you expect from others?

3. Vision – Can you explain what needs to be done and why it matters?

4. Challenging Others – Can you push people to grow without crushing their confidence?

Start practicing these in small settings: lead a feature team, mentor a junior, or simply be the calm voice in chaos. That’s leadership training in its purest form.

Why Timing Matters

Too many brilliant engineers step into management roles too early – not because they’re incapable, but because they haven’t built their internal baseline yet. That’s your personal standard for showing up with integrity, consistency, and strength, especially under pressure.

Without that, leadership quickly becomes overwhelming. I’ve coached many burnt-out tech leads who were set up to fail by ambition or pressure. They didn’t lack skill – they lacked preparation.

Here’s What I Recommend – Step by Step

1) Master your craft.

Before you think about leading others, become excellent at what you do. Leadership without technical credibility won’t last. Earn the respect of your peers through skill, consistency, and results.

2) Start leading in small, safe ways.

You don’t need a title. Lead a minor feature, mentor a junior, or take initiative when the team needs direction. These low-risk opportunities are your training ground.

3) Get a mentor or coach.

Don’t walk this path alone. Having someone to guide, challenge, and support you will accelerate your growth and help you avoid common pitfalls.

And here’s the key:

You’ll know you’re ready, not because someone gives you the title, but because you’ve already been showing up as a leader. Quietly. Consistently. Without needing recognition.

When that moment to step up officially comes, you won’t just bring ambition — you’ll get clarity, stability, and strength.

That’s the difference between holding a title and truly leading.

— Adrian