[gwbas1c]

> you're going to end up managing something

IMO, it's important to understand the line between management and leadership.

Running code reviews, making designs, reviewing other designs, evaluating architecture, picking libraries and patterns...

[tcgv]

> Running code reviews, making designs, reviewing other designs, evaluating architecture, picking libraries and patterns...

That's got me thinking, how much managing does leadership entails? All of these activities are incredibly valuable, and indeed require technical leadership skills, but what's also challenging is to make sure they are conducted continually and in accordance to defined processes. Is that something incumbent to the technical leader? If not leadership may not "happen" unless there's a manager involved.

[weagle05]

I agree it's an important distinction that unfortunately gets conflated at many companies. Most of my experience is in top-down big companies where leadership is a skill, not a position. Maybe when I grow up I can work at a company that makes the distinction.