What working with a good team lead feels like
I’ve been lucky to work with some phenomenal leaders, both in and outside of UX. They all share the same distinctive traits.
When you work in a team at a medium-sized to large organization, you may end up feeling like a tiny gear in a big machine with many moving parts.
In the end, your team is your company. The way your lead leads can make or break your entire experience at the organization. If they know what they’re doing, your life at work becomes significantly easier.
When most days don’t feel like a drag, you’re involved in interesting projects, and your contribution is recognized—chances are your team lead is working hard to make that happen.
During the years, I’ve been lucky to have some phenomenal team leads.
Without exception, I’ve verified that they have the same distinctive traits in common.
Here’s my personal list.
They tell the truth
For starters, the team leads who’ve earned a place in my heart always tell the truth. This might sound like a no-brainer, but in this corporate world filled to the brim with office politics, calculated moves and backstabbing, meeting someone who is transparent is a breath of fresh air.
They don’t need to sugarcoat things, because they respect you. They’re honest from the start, and they’re honest to a fault. An example: when they’re interviewing you, they don’t sweep problems under the rug. They’re open about what you’ll find when you get hired. If that sounds interesting to you... it’s on.
They don’t micromanage
These leaders don’t need to constantly look over your shoulder to make sure you’re on track. They won’t feel the urge to read and correct every last word in your emails, your UI screens, your product documentation.
Instead, you’ll feel you can count on them. They have your back.
They do regular check-ins and make it clear they’re available if you need support. They want to know if there are any obstacles in your way that might prevent you from working at your best. They recognize your expertise and make sure not to overshadow you. You were hired for the job, so they trust you can do it.
They prioritize your wellbeing
Even with a packed schedule, they do their best to make time so you and your team can share how things are going and vent about important topics. But they also understand that negativity spreads quickly and can affect the overall mood—so they might prefer one-to-one sessions over group retrospectives.
They’ll occasionally ask about your family or your weekend plans—not to pry, but because they know that when you’re fulfilled in your personal life, it reflects positively on everything else. They’re sensitive to subtle changes in your usual behavior and won’t let conflicts sit and fester for too long.
They make sure you can catch a break after back-to-back meetings and encourage you to consider more flexible schedules. They’ll remind you to log off on time when the workday is over. They know all too well that, when you enforce your boundaries, you’re teaching others how to treat you.
They make work easy
They always look for solutions. Even when the issue at hand is complex and multi-disciplinary, they make work feel easier. They have the exceptional ability to break tasks down into smaller pieces, which suddenly become understandable and easy to digest.
Their pragmatic, no-nonsense attitude can even put the perfectionists and the anxious types at ease (not that I’d know anything about that… right?). People naturally turn to them when it’s time to make a choice, because they’re authoritative without being authoritarian. They walk the line between assertive and tactful, striking a balance that’s hard to achieve for most.
They challenge you
When it’s time for a performance review, they explain where you did well and generously provide guidance and resources to help you improve where you struggled.
Besides listening to your ambitions and career goals, they’re excited to share where they see you in 2–3 years based on the qualities you’re already showing today. And if you’re not planning a move in the short term, they won’t put pressure on you. You can continue to grow and flourish in your role without the constant stress of needing to move up.
That said, they still want to challenge you with projects that are outside your comfort zone. Maybe they’ll have you lead a small squad or present a project to important stakeholders. They know you can do it—and that’s their way of telling you they believe in you.
They advocate for you
They’ll find ways to advocate for you with their own manager every time they get the chance. They know your worth and care about your career progression within the company.
When speaking with said manager, they talk about your strengths and back them up with examples of your impact to justify why you deserve an increase in seniority, a bonus or a raise. Even if they don’t have a say in the final decision, they’re always rooting for you.
They build connections
A great team lead isn’t just great at managing their own people. They’re also skilled at maintaining relationships beyond their immediate circle. They connect with those who influence business decisions to keep their team relevant and competitive, and they’re naturals at casting a wide net to find allies—whether it’s in sales, legal, customer service or HR.
They’re also proactive and look beyond their own results to see the bigger picture. They operate with an abundance mindset: if they succeed, others will too. Being uncooperative and self-serving won’t help anyone, so they try to set a good example when they see something that isn’t working. After they plant the seeds, your team’s impact and reputation grow stronger.
They are balanced
I feel like this doesn’t get talked about enough, but there’s something deeply relieving about a leader who consistently shows up with the same steady, dependable attitude. You don’t have to tiptoe around them or play guessing games. No need to brace for unpredictable mood swings that make you miserable for the rest of the day. They won’t blindside you.
When there’s bad news to take in, they act as a shield and use concrete data to defend your achievements. They’re not afraid to soften the blow if it means preserving everyone’s energy and keeping stress levels in check.
They won’t hesitate to give credit where it’s due, but they’re also comfortable owning their mistakes. They don’t always have all the answers right away—and that’s alright. They can be corrected in front of others and they’ll react gracefully—because being right isn’t the point. They keep their ego out of it.
They truly care
Finally, if the storm hits and it’s time for the talk, they’ll still put their own interests aside and offer their best advice. Maybe you’ve hit a glass ceiling and don’t see opportunities to progress in the current climate. Or perhaps there’s a wave of layoffs approaching.
If there’s one lesson above all that a lead can teach you, it’s to focus on what you can control and let go of the rest.
After all, they know you’ve done your best, and they just want to see you thrive—even if it has to be elsewhere.
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