Tech Lead and Engineering Manager Roles - Patrick Kua

Patrick Kua, author of 'Talking with Tech Leads,' provides deep insights into the often misunderstood tech lead role and its relationship to engineering management. This comprehensive talk clarifies responsibilities, expectations, and growth paths for technical leaders.

Kua explores the tech lead's three key responsibilities: technical vision and quality, team dynamics and collaboration, and delivery and execution. He discusses the delicate balance between coding and leading, showing how to maintain technical excellence while developing leadership skills.

The talk clarifies the distinction between tech lead and engineering manager roles, when organizations need both vs. combined roles, how to transition between the roles, and common pitfalls when wearing both hats. Kua presents models for different team structures and their trade-offs.

Practical advice includes time management strategies for tech leads, building influence and earning trust, handling technical disagreements, and growing from tech lead to staff engineer or engineering manager. Essential viewing for anyone in or aspiring to technical leadership roles.