In the next few weeks, I’ll explore with you how to choose a developer path: from technical deep dives to people leadership, and everything in between. Whether you’re at a fork in the road or just getting curious, this series is for you. Week 1 will be about exploring (experimentation, choosing a growth theme), Week 2 we'll focus on becoming visible and taking initiative, while the final week is about claiming growth (or moving away) and choosing your own path. Join me on this journey!
The Invisible Shift Into Leadership
You might not have the title or you might not even be thinking about “becoming a lead.” But look closer!
Do any of these sound like you?
- You’re the one teammates ask for help
- You bring clarity when tickets are vague
- You mentor juniors or pair often
- You clean up tech debt because it bothers you
- You raise issues early and propose solutions
If yes, you’re not just a dev: you’re already leading.
Leadership Happens Before the Title
Too often, we think leadership starts with a promotion, but real leadership begins with behavior.
You earn the lead role by acting like one.
This doesn’t mean doing someone else’s job. It means stepping into ownership, sharing knowledge, and helping others succeed.
Track It. Own It. Grow From It.
Start writing down moments where you:
- Unblocked a teammate
- Improved part of the system
- Asked better questions
- Led a discussion or clarified priorities
- Created documentation or onboarding guides
These moments are more than tasks, they’re signals. They show you are capable of choosing a direction and are not just focused on delivery.
Tech Path? People Path? Doesn’t Matter Yet
Whether you grow through systems or through coaching others,
this kind of leadership applies to both.
Being a senior or lead developer isn’t about having all the answers and doing everything by yourself (trust me, it's exhausting), but it’s about helping others move forward, faster.
Final Thought
If you’ve ever thought:
“I’m not a lead yet…”
Maybe ask instead:
“Am I already showing up like one?”
Grow through action and the title will catch up!
💬 What’s one thing you’ve done lately that felt like a step towards leadership?
In case you want more guidance: I'm now offering free 30-minute coaching calls for developers who want to grow (whether you're junior, medior, or senior). In this call, we’ll talk about your current situation, challenges you're facing, and where you want to go next. You'll receive tailored advice specific to your goals and concrete next steps. No catch. Just me, helping you grow.
👉 Book your free call here: https://calendly.com/tim-lorent/free-30-minute-growth-call-for-developers
Speaking of free guidance: download my Free Developer Growth Kit — 3 Practical Guides to Grow from Coder to Leader. It gives you practical tools to level up your skills, mindset, and workflow, without burning out or guessing your next step.
Or if you’re ready to take the next step: check out my book From Hello World to Team Lead or the developer platform for career growth Campfires.dev. 20% of all revenue from the book and coaching will be donated to tech charities like TechMeUp, SheSharp, GirlCode, HackYourFuture.