Interview

Being a leader, not a boss. What qualities define an exceptional leader?

What do you think sets apart a good leader from a not-so-good one?

A good leader is, first and foremost, a good psychologist and then an excellent specialist. Most programmers are introverts and often very reserved. Therefore, it's essential to be able to listen and understand their problems. 
I had a situation where a programmer was hesitant to ask for help because he thought he would be considered incompetent. As a result, everyone suffered! Colleagues saw him as falling behind, and our releases were not on time. But then we personally talked, and we agreed that it's normal not to know something and it's normal to ask a more experienced colleague for help. The problem was solved, and releases were back on track.
I think the qualities that make a good team leader include personal attributes, a people-oriented approach, the ability to grasp the essence of situations, and a lack of inclination toward bureaucracy.

Have you ever thought about the distinction between exceptional team leaders and those who fall short? What sets apart those individuals who effortlessly guide their teams through challenges from those who struggle to retain talent and maintain cohesion? The qualities and abilities that define a truly outstanding team leader are more than mere descriptors; they are the foundation upon which successful teams are built.

In our recent discussions with graduates of the Leadership Course launched by ALLSTARSIT, we delved into the essence of exceptional leadership. From maintaining team morale to deftly resolving conflicts, our leaders shared their insights on what it takes to excel in the role. 

Explore our interview article and delve into the wisdom and experiences of our extraordinary internal Leadership Course graduates Vyacheslav Demydenko, Sergey Poritskiy, Denys Mihal, Pavlo Romashuk, Volodymyr Sokur, Yevhen Batsiun, and Jhonny Cesar Muñoz  – and let their stories and advice inspire your own journey as a leader!

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How do you make sure everyone on your team knows what's expected of them?

We hold one-to-one meetings specifically for this purpose, where you can ask questions directly. Similar issues can also be addressed during retrospectives. Additionally, at the beginning of each sprint, we discuss the main goals and expectations. I think it’s completely enough.
I keep things clear and simple: I tell them what's expected. Being open and honest in our discussions is something I value greatly. It helps everyone know where they stand and what they need to do.

Being a leader, not a boss. What qualities define an exceptional leader?

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Being a leader, not a boss. What qualities define an exceptional leader?

Have you ever thought about the distinction between exceptional team leaders and those who fall short? What sets apart those individuals who effortlessly guide their teams through challenges from those who struggle to retain talent and maintain cohesion? The qualities and abilities that define a truly outstanding team leader are more than mere descriptors; they are the foundation upon which successful teams are built.

In our recent discussions with graduates of the Leadership Course launched by ALLSTARSIT, we delved into the essence of exceptional leadership. From maintaining team morale to deftly resolving conflicts, our leaders shared their insights on what it takes to excel in the role. 

Explore our interview article and delve into the wisdom and experiences of our extraordinary internal Leadership Course graduates Vyacheslav Demydenko, Sergey Poritskiy, Denys Mihal, Pavlo Romashuk, Volodymyr Sokur, Yevhen Batsiun, and Jhonny Cesar Muñoz  – and let their stories and advice inspire your own journey as a leader!

What do you think sets apart a good leader from a not-so-good one?

A good leader is, first and foremost, a good psychologist and then an excellent specialist. Most programmers are introverts and often very reserved. Therefore, it's essential to be able to listen and understand their problems. 
I had a situation where a programmer was hesitant to ask for help because he thought he would be considered incompetent. As a result, everyone suffered! Colleagues saw him as falling behind, and our releases were not on time. But then we personally talked, and we agreed that it's normal not to know something and it's normal to ask a more experienced colleague for help. The problem was solved, and releases were back on track.
I think the qualities that make a good team leader include personal attributes, a people-oriented approach, the ability to grasp the essence of situations, and a lack of inclination toward bureaucracy.

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How do you make sure everyone on your team knows what's expected of them?

We hold one-to-one meetings specifically for this purpose, where you can ask questions directly. Similar issues can also be addressed during retrospectives. Additionally, at the beginning of each sprint, we discuss the main goals and expectations. I think it’s completely enough.
I keep things clear and simple: I tell them what's expected. Being open and honest in our discussions is something I value greatly. It helps everyone know where they stand and what they need to do.

How do you work to prevent and manage conflicts in your team?

Communication is vital. It's important to engage with team members, listen to their work-related issues, and make an effort to understand the timing and reasons behind them.
The best way is to prevent conflict situations. If a conflict happens, it is important to resolve it ASAP. Nobody has to be blamed. Try to discuss it together and find the root cause. Usually, it is just a knowledge gap. After filling it out, everybody is happy.

Could you share some tips for improving overall team collaboration and productivity? 

Sure thing! Set clear goals, keep the lines of communication open, make the workplace positive, and lead by example. These steps can really boost how well a team works together and what they can achieve.
Regular calls and collaborative work sessions enhance our productivity. Setting clear expectations and providing support to help team members achieve their goals is essential for remote productivity. 

Whatʼs the role of interpersonal communication in your work?

It's very important; in my team, I always strive to be transparent and encourage my teammates to do the same, to break down communication barriers, and to ensure that everyone is open to collaboration and available for communication. When interpersonal communication is weak, processes slow down, and professional or personal issues start to appear.
As the leader of a remote team, fostering interpersonal connections is crucial. Despite some team members never having met in person, we address this by dedicating time each day for casual chats during our meetings, allowing everyone to get to know each other better. Additionally, I organize online corporate parties to facilitate bonding and enjoyment.

What strategies do you use to keep your team motivated/to inspire your team?

Changing task types to prevent engineers from becoming bored. Encouraging positive attitudes during planning. Incorporating challenging tasks, and finally, highlighting the best accomplishments at the end.
- Ensure that everyone is comfortable with their responsibilities and roles;
- Support
them when they need an additional hand; 
- Provide interesting
challenges and tools to resolve them periodically;
- Recognize
and celebrate their goals and make them public; 
- Promote
good practices and make them visible when they are doing a good job; 
- If there’s something that is not running well, I tell them
in private and make agreements and/or improvement plans to help resolve the issues;
- Promote
autonomy and provide tools to be more autonomous.

How do you provide really useful feedback that supports team growth and enhances working relationships?

There's the thing called "high-quality feedback." In short, you should first ask (definitely!) the person if they want to receive it, and if so, pinpoint the positives and areas that could be improved.
Sometimes, I provide feedback formally, such as through tracking systems. Other times, I hold meetings with the team where I discuss recent events, productivity, and ideas that team members have proposed, both positive and negative.

So, based on our interview findings, it's clear that great team leaders aren't just born that way; they develop their skills over time. So, may your leadership journey unfold seamlessly, laying the foundation for success throughout your career!

Being a leader, not a boss. What qualities define an exceptional leader?

Have you ever thought about the distinction between exceptional team leaders and those who fall short? What sets apart those individuals who effortlessly guide their teams through challenges from those who struggle to retain talent and maintain cohesion? The qualities and abilities that define a truly outstanding team leader are more than mere descriptors; they are the foundation upon which successful teams are built.

In our recent discussions with graduates of the Leadership Course launched by ALLSTARSIT, we delved into the essence of exceptional leadership. From maintaining team morale to deftly resolving conflicts, our leaders shared their insights on what it takes to excel in the role. 

Explore our interview article and delve into the wisdom and experiences of our extraordinary internal Leadership Course graduates Vyacheslav Demydenko, Sergey Poritskiy, Denys Mihal, Pavlo Romashuk, Volodymyr Sokur, Yevhen Batsiun, and Jhonny Cesar Muñoz  – and let their stories and advice inspire your own journey as a leader!