I’ve spent over 25 years in the IT industry, mostly in project leadership roles. I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside many great leaders, watching their work up close. Successful leaders often possess great technical skills, a keen intellect, creativity and many other skills, but it’s their ability to foster a culture where teams can thrive that really matters. Here are some key principles that I’ve found to be essential for leading teams effectively in our field.

Success through the accomplishments of others. A leader’s success is defined by the achievements of their team. Great leaders know that their role is to support and elevate their team members. This means humility; putting the spotlight on collective effort not personal accolades. By focusing on the team’s accomplishments, leaders create a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and productivity.

The principle of ownership. Ownership is a cornerstone of effective leadership. True leaders take responsibility for both successes and failures. Ownership means internalizing responsibility rather than externalizing fault. When leaders embrace ownership, they inspire their teams to be accountable and proactive. This culture of responsibility drives continuous improvement and fosters a sense of pride in the work.

The power of agency. Agency is believing that you can always make a difference. Effective leaders never feel helpless; they always see a way to influence outcomes. This mindset is crucial in IT, where challenges can be complex and multifaceted. Leaders who demonstrate agency inspire confidence and resilience within their teams, showing that there’s always a path forward, no matter the obstacles. One trick when faced with a team-member who believes a task is impossible is to reframe by asking, “under what circumstances could we do this?”. This takes impossibility off the table and builds a list of obstacles which are often quite surmountable by a creative and openminded team working together.

Embrace servant leadership. Servant leadership is about putting your team’s needs above your own. Great leaders act as stewards, focusing on the well-being and development of their team members. This approach builds trust and respect, creating an environment where everyone feels valued and motivated. In the fast-paced IT industry, servant leadership helps maintain high morale and engagement, even under pressure.

Provide what the team needs. The primary role of a leader is to ensure their team has everything they need to succeed. This includes providing a clear vision, assembling a team of skilled individuals, ensuring access to necessary resources, and offering clear direction. Once these elements are in place, the best leaders step back and let their teams do their work. They monitor and adjust. Trust and autonomy are essential; micromanagement stifles creativity and hinders performance.